Transparency in Turbulent Times
Tariffs are making headlines, and for good reason. With import fees soaring - some as high as 145% on goods from China, many brands are scrambling to adjust. But at Slowdown Studio, we’re taking a different path: one of transparency, stability, and unwavering commitment to our values.
What Are Tariffs, Really?
Let’s break it down. Tariffs, defined simply, are taxes placed on imports by a government. That means when a business brings in goods or materials from outside the customs territory of the United States, they might have to pay an added fee, a customs duty, if you will.
There are different kinds: an ad valorem tariff is a percentage of the good’s value, while a specific tariff is a flat fee. The point? Raise money for the government, and in many cases, protect domestic products from cheaper international competition.
But the tariff impacts don’t stop there.
Tariffs in the News
In recent months, tariffs news has been dominating headlines. With the 2024 U.S. election of Donald Trump in the rearview and the current economic policy shifting gears, new tariffs on imports are being proposed that could affect everything from raw cotton to packaging materials.
A recent Forbes article noted that small e-commerce sellers are teaming up to brace for the next wave of import taxes. Higher tariff rates are now being placed on goods from specific trading partners, including reciprocal tariffs targeting countries that impose fees on American exports.
The presidential administration, led by Donald Trump, has signaled it will reintroduce retaliatory tariffs and revise trade agreements to further protect the domestic market.
But here’s the thing: while these shifts might rattle big-box brands, Slowdown Studio is built differently.
Made in the USA: Our Not-So-Secret to Stability
Our decision to manufacture our woven blankets and knit throws in the United States isn’t just about geography - it’s about control, quality, and sustainability. By partnering with local US based mills and using 25% recycled cotton, we minimize our exposure to global supply chain disruptions and tariff-induced cost spikes.
This approach allows us to maintain consistent pricing, ensuring that our customers receive high-quality, artist-designed products without unexpected costs.
Supporting Emerging Artists, Not Just Bottom Lines
Every Slowdown Studio piece begins with a collaboration with an emerging artist. By producing locally, we can bring these unique designs to life more efficiently and responsibly. This model not only supports the artists but also ensures that our products remain accessible, even as other brands raise prices in response to tariffs.
We collaborate with emerging artists from Berlin to Brazil, Mexico City to Montreal. These creatives infuse our pieces with a global sensibility - while our U.S. based manufacturing ensures consistency and quality.
It’s a balance: international vision meets local execution. And in a time of evolving trade deals, that matters more than ever.
Our model gives artists access to markets they wouldn’t reach alone, and customers a one-of-a-kind product for export quality, even if it never leaves your living room.
Staying Ahead Without Passing Costs Along
While many e-commerce sellers are turning to AI and other technologies to navigate the complexities of tariffs and supply chain challenges, our proactive approach is rooted in local production and sustainable practices, which means we don't have to pass these costs onto you.
Some brands are using retail tariffs as a reason to raise prices across the board. Others are making quiet adjustments behind the scenes.
We’re doing neither. Instead, we’re inviting you into the conversation.
Our U.S.made, artist-designed woven blankets remain at the same price they’ve always been. No fine print. No countdown timers. Just great design that stands the test of time and the news cycle. Because here’s the truth: tariffs come and go. But good design, made with care? That sticks around.
Quality Over Compromise
We don’t use cheap materials. Never have. Never will. Every throw, every pillow, every piece of homeware we release is built to last, and made to feel like functional art. Choosing local production doesn’t just help us avoid economic turbulence - it helps us protect the integrity of our designs.
And yes, it means we don’t have to pass off costs to you.
We believe in design that reflects your values: sustainability, creativity, and care. That belief is woven into every fiber of what we make.
The Lowdown on Slowdown
- Tariffs defined: Taxes on imports meant to protect domestic goods and influence trade policy
- Current situation: Rising tariffs under new economic policy, but Slowdown remains unaffected
- Why: U.S.based production using recycled materials and zero reliance on tariff-sensitive imports
- Our ethos: Sustainably made, artist-first, forever expressive
FAQs
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Will Slowdown Studio raise prices due to tariffs?
No. Our U.S.-based manufacturing and sustainable sourcing practices allow us to maintain current pricing. -
How does local production benefit customers?
Local production reduces exposure to global supply chain disruptions, ensuring consistent quality and pricing. -
Are your products still made with recycled materials?
Absolutely. Sustainability remains a core value, and we continue to use 25% recycled cotton in our woven blankets. -
How does Slowdown Studio support emerging artists?
We collaborate directly with emerging artists, bringing their unique designs to life and providing them with a platform to showcase their work. -
Where can I learn more about your products?
Visit our woven throw blankets collection to explore our latest designs.
