It feels like the right time to bring back a Behind the Brand post.
The Changing Tariff Landscape
We’ve been working hard to navigate the recent tariff changes. While we’ve sent out a few email updates, I wanted to offer a more detailed look at what these changes mean for our small business—and how they’ll affect you. Please see image above.😆
Yes, we manufacture in China.
Our brand is part of Lever Style, which also produces for brands like Columbia, Arc'tyrx, Vuori, Skims, and Helly Hansen. Lever Style is a Certified B Corporation with long-standing, dedicated employees—people we know and trust. We don't import fentanyl. This isn’t fast fashion. It’s made-to-order, quality custom athletic apparel. We have been in business for 20 years doing this exact same thing.
In a low-margin business like ours, we were able to keep prices competitive thanks to the de minimis rule. That rule allowed packages with commercial invoices under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. That rule ends May 2. We cannot absorb the new extensive tariffs.
Because of this, any orders placed after April 13 will ship after the May 2 cut-off date—and will be subject to new tariffs. Which means we’ll be adjusting our pricing on April 14. We will be happy to provide you a list of base prices, tariff surcharges, and final prices, once can actually figure out the new tariff load. We need clearer guidance on the new tariff rates—but right now, that information is limited and unclear.
Just as we finalized new shipping strategies and pricing updates to account for those changes, a fresh round of tariffs was announced yesterday. We’re wasting time, energy, and resources trying to keep up—and there’s no guarantee things won’t change again tomorrow. These shifts aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they directly impact how we operate and what our customers will pay.
Why not move production to the U.S.?
That’s a long-term conversation. But it’s not realistic on short notice. If the goal is to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., then businesses need a clear timeline—and actual support—to make that transition.
This company is my and my team’s livelihood. These constant policy swings are more than disruptive. They’re deeply damaging. But we’re doing everything we can to adapt—and to keep helping you with quality gear and honest communication.
Here’s what to expect moving forward:
Limited Capacity for Immediate Orders:
We can't guarantee that we can get your order placed by April 14. Our factory has capacity limits and we are seeing a large uptick in order activity.
Pricing Changes:
Our new Tariff Surcharge will adjust based on the actual tariff rates. If tariffs go up, prices will rise. If tariffs are reduced, we’ll happily lower prices accordingly. We have to set prices at least three-four weeks before we ship. It is hard to predict what the tariffs will be once your order ships. We will do our best.
Shipping Delays:
Customs is likely to experience major backups as millions of packages that were once exempt now need processing.
We’ll now ship bulk freight to the U.S., then handle individual order distribution from our Lincoln, Nebraska office.
We hate that this feels like a direct tax on our customers. We’re frustrated, too. But we’re committed to transparency, and we hope you’ll stick with us as we weather this together.
Best,
Susan Cronin
Owner
Champion System USA
