Trumps tariffs hit your feet: German sandal maker to raise prices globally

The price hike is needed to fully offset the impact of Trumps tariffs.

Liberation Day

On “Liberation Day”, April 2nd 2025, U.S. President Dondal Trump announced sweeping tariffs on basically all other nations. The European Union was also hit by a 20 % tariff on all goods produced in the EU.

The suspension

On April 9th, Donald Trump suspended the announced tariffs for 90 days. but the baseline 10 % tariff on all US imports remained in place – and this, plus the possibility of the 20 % tariff being reinstated, now forces companies to prepare,

Birkenstock prepares for the future

According to Reuters, German sandal maker Birkenstock is planning to raise its prices all over the world. According to the Chief Financial Officer, Ivica Krolo, it needs to be done to fully offset the tariffs.

Made in Germany

The popular Birkenstock sandals are made in factories in Germany, which means they are subject to the 10 % US tariffs, with the 20 % tariffs still looming.

Not just one region

Krolo told Reuters, that instead of raising the prices in just one region, Birkenstock sees it as a global excercise to fully offset the effects of the current tariffs.

Beware of July 9th

The 90-day suspension put in place by Trump will expire after July 9th. If a trade deal is not reached between the EU and the US before then, the 20 % tariffs will probably be reinstated.

Will be coming during the summer

If you’re planning on buying some new Birkenstocks, you might want to hurry up. The higher prices of the sandals will start to be seen from July to September.

251 years of shoemaking

Birkenstock was founded in 1774 and is known for it’s sandals and other shoes. They are most notably known for contoured cork footbeds made with laayers of suede and jute.