Zefyr Solutions

We want to hear from you! What is the largest issue facing your business in footwear and apparel in 2025? 👇

Mexico’s move to ban apparel imports bound for the US under the IMMEX program and slap temporary tariffs on textiles has created waves in the apparel and logistics space. Although these measures are framed as a way to protect Mexico’s textile industry, they might also be a savvy counter-response to early signals from the incoming U.S. administration about potential shifts in trade policies and tariffs. A Preemptive Move? The U.S. president-elect has hinted at a tougher approach to international trade, emphasizing bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and potentially raising tariffs on imports. Mexico’s new restrictions could be a proactive strategy to shield its local industry from these anticipated changes. By curbing imports and encouraging more local production, the Mexican government may be strengthening its negotiating power before any new U.S. tariffs hit. Implications for Apparel Brands For U.S. apparel brands, this adds yet another layer of complexity to navigating the global supply chain. Recent data suggests that at least 30 of the top 100 Shopify brands leverage the Section 321 duty exemption by shipping through Mexico. Now, major 3PLs in Mexico have declared force majeure, canceling contracts with U.S. brands. Goods already on the ground in Mexico aren’t affected for the time being, but items in transit or still in production will require a fresh strategy. Here’s what brands can consider doing: ✅ Revisit supply chain routes – Consider options like Canada for shipping U.S.-bound goods (unless they originate in China, where further scrutiny may still apply). ✅ Stay on top of U.S. trade policy – Changes could come fast and spur further adjustments in your logistics approach. The Bigger Picture 👇 Mexico’s actions highlight the interconnected nature of global trade. What may seem like a straightforward bid to safeguard 400,000 Mexican textile jobs could also be a show of strength, signaling that Mexico plans to stand firm as the U.S. trade landscape evolves. Given how quickly things can change, brands, logistics providers, and policymakers need to keep their eyes open. Today’s trade moves are about more than just policy—they’re about strategy. If you’re exploring supply-chain alternatives or want expert advice, consider reaching out to Zefyr Solutions. We’ll help you uncover cost-effective routes, anticipate potential hurdles, and navigate new trade barriers. https://lnkd.in/eiVMj2BQ #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

Earlier this year our team made predictions on what we thought would happen in our industry in 2024. As the year ends we want to reflect on those and see how it all played out. Check out our last blog of the year and let us know your thoughts on whether or not you agree with our year-end wrap-up. Click here to see how we did: https://lnkd.in/e7N-A4vF #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

https://lnkd.in/gM9MTBwx We are proud to be able to say that our small but mighty team is working with 3 of these amazing companies this year, and are in conversations with one of the others. If we can help companies like this, we'd like to believe we can help yours too. Drop us a line and let's talk.

We are closing out the year with our final team spotlight - our other founder, Dave Kelley. Dave has an M.A. in International Relations from The George Washington University and since starting his career in Footwear in 1994, he has noted some interesting changes - including a more sophisticated consumer awareness and the push for faster leadtimes. "All good Footwear and Apparel businesses start with the consumer, and they drive the changes. We’ve gone from consumers not thinking much at all about how and where their products are sourced, to becoming incredibly informed about the impact that supply chains have on the world," he says. "I started in the industry before there was widespread access to the internet, and email was just starting to come into play. Now, for better and for worse, information spreads at incredible speeds. And while the industry still largely languishes in 18 month (or longer) leadtimes, there is incredible pressure to get faster." As far as what the future holds for the industry, the impact of AI is top of his list: "I love the idea of Demand and Supply Planning being improved by AI, but how it is being used - for instance – to identify possible violations of UFLPA is really interesting. The potential for other uses are endless." And, finally, for Dave there are three important parts of his work that he loves the most: 💡 Team: "I love working with experts who have such a depth of experience and knowledge and incredible value to provide." 🤝 Partners: "I value connecting with people who are passionate about making the Footwear and Apparel industries better." 💙 Clients: "I enjoy working with clients who want to improve, make the world a better place, and collaborate." When Dave isn't working on Zefyr, he enjoys teaching at the UO Sports Product Management Master’s Program, spending time with his family and friends (with great food), and watching University of Oregon football. #GoDucks! #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

As the industry evolves, Footwear products, processes, and materials are becoming increasingly complex and costly. Having access to skilled footwear artisans and engineers isn't possible for many companies. This is where we can help, regardless of whether you're a brand, a factory, or a material supplier. Zefyr is excited to introduce our newest service: Footwear Innovation and Engineering. With over 100 years of collective experience, we'll partner with you to: ✔️Solve your trickiest challenges and problems ✔️ Deliver innovative products, processes, and materials that differentiate you from the competition. ✔️ Close the gap between your current capabilities and your future state, with practical solutions tailored to your timelines and budgets. Our team brings unmatched knowledge and a global network across: - Advanced product engineering & development: lasts, patterns, tooling, CAD/CAM - Upper manufacturing: knit, cut-and-sew, and cutting-edge methods - Process and manufacturing engineering: Lean practices, innovation in materials and machines - Chemical and material engineering - Innovation at every step of the supply chain 🌍 We've worked in every corner of the globe—Asia, Europe, and the Americas—collaborating with top manufacturers and supply chains to ensure you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s get after the future of footwear together. Email us today to learn more 📨 dk@zefyrsolutions.com #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

The return of a tariff-heavy trade strategy is reshaping the footwear and apparel industries - again. Companies like Steve Madden are cutting imports from China by 45%. So, what’s your plan? In our latest blog, we discuss how our team works with businesses to build a clearer path for the future. Read more on the blog: https://lnkd.in/eUzdVamu #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

This month, we would like to spotlight our teammate, Bob Jones. Bob has degrees in marketing and communications from Oregon State University as well as experience on the OSU Supply Chain Board. Throughout his decades-long career, he has seen many changes in the apparel industry. "When I first started in this industry, it was about finding great factories that do the right thing - Delivery, Quality, Fair treatment of People," he says, "These factories used to be hard to find and now this is simply the entry to play. Our Brands ask for Strategies in Sustainability, MCO diversification, Traceability of Product, Workers Rights, etc. which are essential and transparent to all parts of the business." He has also seen the latest technologies and changes through a recent trip to Asia, "I saw factories using AI, robotics and advanced automation to de-skill the process reducing lead-times." Factories are also becoming more transparent on investments and profitability as well as using AI/analytics to predict and review data that helps them plan and execute more for the brands. One of his favorite parts of the job is to work with these emerging brands to solve complex business issues. When he's not working with our clients, Bob enjoys finding new fly fishing locations and traveling with his wife - especially to see their kids in Arizona and New York. Bob - thanks for all you do for our team and clients! #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

The US has voted and as expected, there will be changes that will impact our industry. Right now, we're looking at a proposed 60% tariff on goods produced in China and a 20-30% tariff on all other imports. So, how can we help? With the potential shift in U.S. trade policies, we can provide you with a comprehensive supply chain analysis. This analysis will equip you with actionable insights and a robust strategy to respond to these proposed tariffs. By leveraging our expertise in supply chain analysis and risk mitigation, you can protect your market position, maintain cost competitiveness, and strengthen your supply chain resilience for long-term success. To learn more, contact Dave Kelley at dk@zefyrsolutions.com or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eMtDMWSZ #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts

Last week was the first of a series of Global Footwear and Apparel Traceability Summit brought to life by the University of Oregon University of Oregon-sports-product-management-program and the Dynamic Sustainability Lab at Syracuse University Our goal was to bring leaders from Government, Footwear and Apparel Industry, and Technology groups together to create working groups that will develop and share best practices for traceability in our industry. We are setting the stage for the next generation of innovators to change the way we do business. If you want to get involved in these working groups, please reach out - dk@zefyrsolutions.com A big ✨ thank you ✨ to everyone who participated and supported these meaningful conversations! #footwear #apparel #supplychain #zefyrexperts