Sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States in 2025 sent significant shockwaves through global garment supply chains – and workers have paid the price. Reports from suppliers, unions and industry groups indicates that as buyers moved rapidly to reassess sourcing strategies and production costs, suppliers experienced orders being paused or cancelled, sourcing locations reconsidered and price reductions requested. The result was acute commercial shocks for suppliers, and direct human and labour rights harms for workers.

Between April and December 2025, the Business and Human Rights Centre monitored global media coverage, supplier disclosure and direct testimony from unions and worker organisations across garment producing countries to understand how brand and buyer responses to US tariff changes translated into labour impacts across supply chains.

As tariff uncertainty continues, brands and buyers must commit to responsible purchasing practices that prevent commercial pressure on suppliers from translating into human rights harms for workers. This commitment cannot be conditional on stability – rather, it is precisely during periods of disruption that it matters most