关税重创美标志性产业 “鸵鸟皮危机”威胁“美国制造”牛仔靴

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. will impose a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa starting August 1, due to the failure to reach a new trade agreement, significantly impacting the ostrich industry and related sectors in the U.S. [1] Group 1: Impact on Ostrich Farmers - South Africa supplies approximately 70% of the world's ostrich products, with a significant portion coming from the town of Oudtshoorn, where nearly 200 farmers contribute to over half of global ostrich product supply [1] - Farmers in Oudtshoorn are anxiously awaiting the effects of the new tariff policy, uncertain about the severity of the impact [3] Group 2: Impact on Cowboy Boot Manufacturers - The tariff is viewed as a "crisis" for U.S. cowboy boot manufacturers, as ostrich leather is a key material, and many manufacturers rely entirely on South African supplies [5] - High tariffs may lead to a contraction in the related industry, as rising raw material costs are difficult to pass on to consumers, potentially decreasing consumer willingness to purchase already expensive boots [5] - Manufacturers emphasize that the U.S. cannot match the quality and scale of South African ostrich farming, making it challenging to bring production back to the U.S. under current tariff conditions [7] - There is a recognition that while there is a desire to produce domestically, the U.S. lacks the capacity to raise ostriches that meet quality standards, and there is insufficient domestic demand for the meat [8]