Let’s Talk Tariffs — and the Reality of U.S. Manufacturing

As trade policies shift and tariffs tighten their grip on margins, many fashion and lifestyle brands are rethinking their manufacturing strategies. And for good reason.

At Casupo Manufacturing, we speak to founders and product teams every week who are navigating this new landscape. And here’s the truth we share with them:

Los Angeles Is a Creative Hub — But Not a Complete Manufacturing Ecosystem

While LA remains a powerhouse of design talent, innovation, and fashion culture, it’s not fully equipped to manage every stage of leather goods production in-house. That’s not a knock on American ingenuity—it’s a legacy of past policy.

Why is full-scale U.S. leather production so challenging today?

Because over the last 40+ years—especially during the 1980s, '90s, and early 2000s—America’s manufacturing infrastructure was systematically dismantled as production moved overseas. That shift gutted local supply chains for critical leather goods components.

Many of the essentials your product needs—such as:

• High-quality hides

• Metal hardware and rivets

• Specialty edge paints, glues, and dyes

...still come from Europe and Asia.

And while the U.S. is fortunate to still have a few key players—like a domestic zipper manufacturer—those are rare exceptions, not the norm.

A Smarter, Cross-Border Manufacturing Model

At Casupo Manufacturing, we saw these challenges coming a long time ago.

That’s why, for the past 13 years, we’ve helped brands bridge the gap between creativity and production with a cross-border manufacturing model that works.

We offer:

• Design and development support in Los Angeles

• Production capacity through our vetted factories in Mexico and the U.S.

• Trusted sourcing networks for leather and components

• Shorter lead times without compromising quality

• Clear communication and full transparency from start to finish

Whether you’re producing leather wallets, bags, accessories, or corporate gifts, our approach is built for small- to mid-scale brands looking to avoid the headaches of overseas production — and the rising costs of U.S. tariffs.

Tariffs Are a Wake-Up Call — Not a Death Sentence

Instead of seeing tariffs as a wall, view them as a nudge toward smarter production decisions.

Now is the perfect time to:

• Re-evaluate your supply chain

• Reduce dependence on far-flung suppliers

• Regain control over timelines, quality, and communication

Casupo Manufacturing is here to help you do just that — without sacrificing the craftsmanship your customers expect.

Let’s Build Something Closer to Home

We believe leather goods manufacturing can be done sustainably, efficiently, and closer to your market—with the right team by your side.

If you’re a brand looking to adapt to the shifting trade landscape, Casupo Manufacturing is ready to partner with you on thoughtful, scalable, tariff-conscious production.

📩 Get in touch today and let’s talk about how we can support your next launch or supply chain shift.