The world’s most iconic sneaker—the Nike Air Jordan—is about to get more expensive
Thanks to sweeping new tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, production costs are soaring, markets are rattled, and the ripple effects are hitting sport hard—from the pitch to the boardroom.
But this isn’t just about a pair of trainers. It’s a warning sign for the entire sports industry.
And if you’re a player, agent, club owner, or investor—you need to be ready.
💥 The Price of Air Jordans—and Why It Matters
Nike, one of the biggest names in sport, manufactures the majority of its products—including Air Jordans—in Vietnam. Now, under Trump’s new tariff structure, Vietnamese goods face a 46% import tax into the U.S..
According to industry analysts, this could push the retail price of Air Jordans from around $180 to $198 or more. And while £15–20 might not seem like much per pair, multiply that across kit orders, merchandising, fanwear contracts, and global sponsorship deals, and the numbers climb fast.
👕 It’s Not Just Boots: Apparel Costs Are Spiralling
Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour—all major global sports brands—are facing tariff-related pressures. That affects:
📦 Production costs for boots, kits, fanwear and training gear
📉 Margins on retail and sponsorship packages
🤝 Contractual negotiations between brands and athletes or clubs
👎 Clubs Are Already Feeling It:
Smaller clubs relying on international suppliers for kits, balls, and boots are seeing costs rise. Some are reducing order volumes, others are delaying kit refreshes, and many are squeezing budgets in other areas, like youth programmes or international travel.
🤯 Athletes Are Losing Leverage in Endorsement Deals:
With brands taking a hit to their bottom line, endorsement budgets are under pressure. Athletes negotiating new brand deals might face:
Lower upfront payments
- Shorter contract durations
- Tighter performance-based bonuses
- That hits the commercial side of an athlete’s income hard—and could lead to greater financial reliance on international income, which is also exposed to FX volatility.
🌍 FX Volatility: The Silent Risk in Global Sport
As if the tariffs weren’t enough, the foreign exchange market is in flux.
Currencies like GBP/USD and EUR/USD are swinging weekly, influenced by trade tensions and market uncertainty. If you’re operating in international sport, this FX instability could directly impact:
🏦 Transfer fees and agent commissions
- 💸 Image rights and salary payments
- 🏠 Property investments abroad
- 🧳 International tours and training camps
- 🛍️ Overseas commercial partnerships
- Without a smart FX strategy, those swings could mean thousands lost—or gained—on every deal.
💡 Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The winners in this moment? They’re not the ones with the biggest budgets.
They’re the ones who plan smart, move early, and protect their interests.
✅ Use forward contracts to lock in FX rates on upcoming deals
✅ Avoid hidden fees and poor rates by ditching the banks
✅ Get real support from FX specialists who understand sport
✅ Move funds strategically—not emotionally
🤝 Why Currencies 4 You?
At Currencies 4 You, we work closely with:
🎯 Professional athletes managing wealth across borders
- 🔁 Agents navigating international transfers and commissions
- 🏟️ Clubs planning budgets and contracts across currencies
- 🏠 Investors buying property abroad
- With bank-beating rates, no hidden fees, and a sports-focused support team, we help you protect your margin and achieve more.
From boot deals to big-money transfers, global financial shifts—like these new tariffs—can send shockwaves through the entire sports ecosystem.
If you’re not actively managing your FX exposure, you’re risking far more than just inflated kit prices.
📲 Get your FX advantage with Currencies 4 You — fill out our quick quote form to see exactly how much you could save on your next international transfer. It takes just 60 seconds and could save you thousands.
📞 Prefer to talk it through? Our dedicated FX team is here to guide you—so you can move smarter in an unpredictable world. +44 (0) 1322 319 550
I’m Baljit Rihal, Global Head of Sports at Currencies 4 You. I help people in sport and business protect their money when moving it across borders. Follow for useful insights on FX and the global sports business — and feel free to reach out if you would like to chat.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates fluctuate due to market conditions, and the figures used in this article are illustrative examples based on market trends as of today. Savings will vary depending on transaction size, timing, and market conditions. Always consult a financial expert before making large international transactions.