This issue (May/June 2025) was delayed as we struggled to stay current and up to date in the midst of a tariff war that confounded us all. Our concern was that what we were writing and advising would be out of date by the time this issue reached you.
    Though we stayed on top of it and in touch with you through several in-depth and timely emails we held off publishing in print until we could delay no more. . . even though the tariff situation was still evolving.
    What you’ll find in this issue is an article that acknowledges the fluidity of the tariff negotiations, but still provides comments from your peers as to the pricing approach they are taking. . . whether an overall price increase, or a tariff line item on the bride’s contact/invoice.
    It’s a discussion worth reading as the tariffs are still in place, though at a reduced rate of 30% for Chinese imported goods for the 90-day negotiation period ending mid-August. (Other countries are at 10% during a negotiation process that ends July 23).
    The lower rate has come as a welcome relief. . . and in response brands are also reducing their tariff surcharges to approximately 8-10% of the wholesale cost of the dress during this same period.
    Through this tumultuous process, the worst of which covered a four-week process that felt like six months, what stood out for me was the resilience, thoughtfulness, and creativity obvious from all segments of the industry as we all tried to navigate stormy seas.