Uniqlo to Leave the U.S. If Trump Keeps Pushing Consumers to Only Buy "American Made"

There’s been some backlash from foreign companies behind President Donald Trump‘s “Buy American, Hire American” message — specifically just on the “Buy American” part. According to CNN Money, one who was recently vocal about the statement was Fast Retailing Co.’s (founder of Uniqlo) president Tadashi Yanai. Yanai stated to a Japanese newspaper outlet that, “If I was directly told to do so, I will withdraw from the United States.” This, in response to Trump making a push for Made in the U.S. products. Uniqlo has 51 stores in the U.S. with plans to open 20 more in 2017. Yanai and his company will keep a watchful eye on what Trump and Congress plan to do in regards to trade taxes if the U.S. made push continues. Yanai followed, “We would not be able to make really good products [in the U.S.] at costs that are beneficial to customers. It would become meaningless to do business in the U.S.”

As examined also by CNN Money, most Americans don’t really pay much attention to where their clothes are made from. They do, however, care about price. In the publication’s report, it states, “But the largest obstacle to Trump’s vision may be the American shopper, who is constantly on the lookout for a good deal.” Additionally, it’s important to consider that foreign fast-fashion chains (Forever 21, Zara and H&M) create jobs in the U.S. as well as help the currently struggling American malls keep afloat as they are able to pay rent. The economic situations of malls could become dire if all these chains were to leave.