(December 10, 2025) —Tariffs have a significant impact on the golf industry by raising production costs, which in turn leads to higher prices for consumers, compressed profit margins for brands, and potential shifts in global supply chains.
“As most of the golf equipment and apparel are manufactured in Asia, recent tariff policies have caused disruption and uncertainty in the market, said Arnett Gill, President of the National Association of Black Golf Merchandisers (NABGM). Mr. Gill said, “Price hikes vary across different types of golf products, depending on the level of reliance on imported materials and parts.”
The Association was formed 2 years ago, as The National Association of Black Golf Merchandisers (NABGM). The NABGM is dedicated to promoting people of color who are involved in supplying, selling and supporting wholesale and retail sales, in the $102B Golf Industry.
This includes companies, individuals and associations who are, or can be, involved in the golf industry for all the services and products the industry consumes. Tariffs cause uncertainty, which makes it nearly impossible to determine how to proceed with daily business decisions. Generally, the fashion industry works on a timetable that is predicted at a minimum, six months out. A major issue is determining how to price products fairly, while accounting for the unpredictability of future tariffs.
Mr. Gill said, “The solution could be a bigger push for direct-to-consumer marketing. Due to the de minimis tax exemption (in which goods valued under $800 are not subject to tariffs)-though ‘the current administration’ is ending the exemption for certain countries-companies may begin to gear their supply chain less toward wholesale, and more toward direct sales. In return, retail prices will not inflate to account for new tariffs.”
The judicial challenge to the Administration’s implementation of global tariffs under IEEPA continued Nov. 5, 2025, when the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments. Based on the expedited briefing schedule, a decision is expected by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The decision may address whether the Court strikes down all or part of the IEEPA tariffs. The hope is to clarify a process for importers to receive duty refunds. Yet, it remains to be seen whether the process would be “administrative” or judicial.
For more information Contact: Arnett Gill
Phone: 615-573-6621
Email: NABGMINFO@GMAIL.COM
Website: The National Association of Black Golf Merchandisers
