Starting on June 1, consumers can expect to see price hikes of up to $10 on Nike trainers priced over $100 (£74.50), as well as increases ranging from $2 to $10 on various clothing items and equipment. Notably, popular models like the Air Force 1 trainers and items priced under $100 will remain unaffected by these increases. Nike reiterated that periods of price adjustment occur regularly as part of its strategic planning.

While the U.S. has imposed a base 10% tariff on goods from numerous countries, the broader landscape of trade tariffs continues to be in flux, with negotiations impacting the severity of tariffs on imports from nations like Vietnam, which produces a significant majority of Nike's goods. In fact, 50% of the company's footwear and a substantial portion of its clothing come from Vietnamese factories.

The uncertainty of trade policies has left companies, including sportswear retailers, anxious about their pricing strategies and consumer demand. Last month, Adidas noted that the tariffs would compel them to raise prices on popular models, and UK retailer JD Sports expressed similar concerns regarding potential impacts on their sales in the U.S. market.

As Nike navigates these challenges, the company is also exploring new avenues for sales, including a renewed partnership with Amazon to sell its products directly on the platform — a move aimed at reviving its online presence after a decline in digital sales across multiple regions.

Overall, Nike’s forthcoming price adjustments reflect a broader struggle within the retail and manufacturing sectors, influenced heavily by the shifting dynamics of international trade.