Key Takeaways:
- A California lingerie brand, Cantiq, faces rising costs due to Trump-era tariffs.
- The tariffs on imported fabrics from Asia could lead to layoffs.
- Small businesses like Cantiq struggle to balance ethical practices with higher expenses.
- Workers fear losing jobs they’ve held for years.
How Tariffs Are Hurting an Ethical Brand
Francisco Tzul has worked in tough conditions for years, first in sweatshops and now at Cantiq, a trendy lingerie brand in Los Angeles. But his job is now at risk because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported goods.
Cantiq is known for its ethical business practices, like paying fair wages and employing local workers. Chelsea Hughes, the company’s founder, started the brand to support her community and produce high-quality lingerie in America.
But the tariffs are complicating things. Many of the fabrics Cantiq uses, like lace and mesh, come from China and Taiwan. With tariffs adding 145% to the cost of Chinese imports, the brand’s expenses are soaring.
The Price of Tariffs: Higher Costs and Fewer Jobs
Chelsea Hughes worries about the future. “Now they’re just making it harder for me to keep jobs here and keep production in America,” she says.
One of Cantiq’s most popular items is a $35 brief made from three different fabrics, two from China and one from Taiwan. With tariffs, the price could jump to $42, which is too expensive for many customers.
Hughes fears she’ll have to cut jobs to stay in business. “I think everyone is going to get hurt by this,” she says. “It’s just a matter of how hard.”
Why American-Made Isn’t Always Easy
Hughes wants to keep production in the U.S., but it’s not simple. While America has skilled garment workers, producing stretch fabrics like lace and mesh is expensive here.
“Nobody does it here as cost-effectively as they do overseas,” Hughes explains. For now, she’s hoping for financial support or a reduction in tariffs. Without help, she may have to reduce her workforce, which goes against her goal of creating ethical jobs.
Francisco Tzul’s Story: A Worker’s Perspective
Francisco Tzul, a 60-year-old immigrant from Guatemala, has worked at Cantiq for five years. He believes the tariffs will harm both workers and the economy.
Tzul came to the U.S. decades ago because his home country’s policies ruined the economy. “That’s why millions of us left,” he says. “We