How Diverse Manufacturing Locations Help Customers Stay Flexible in a Changing Trade Environment
When the trade environment is in a state of flux, the relationship between tariffs and manufacturing locations becomes critical.
The current uncertainty around tariffs and trade policies is having an immediate and significant impact on material sourcing decision-making. Changes to tariffs and the trade environment can disrupt timelines, increase costs, and challenge long-standing supply chains.
Tariffs and Manufacturing: A Global Approach
Tariffs can place significant pressure on companies that rely on sourcing specific materials from diverse locations around the globe. Manufacturers with a global footprint like AX Materials are positioned to support stability and flexibility for customers, even when trade policies shift.
With tariffs and manufacturing so intertwined, a global sourcing strategy enables customers to align material selections with production goals, geographic preferences, and tariff exposure without compromising on innovation or quality.
Understanding the Tariff Landscape in Materials Sourcing
Tariffs are import taxes imposed by governments on goods coming into a country. They are often used to protect domestic industries, regulate trade balances, or respond to geopolitical developments. In the past several years, tariffs between the U.S. and China, in particular, have affected a wide range of goods including synthetic textiles and glove materials.
For companies that rely heavily on single-source manufacturing, especially in countries affected by high tariffs, this volatility can increase costs and create delays. That’s why diversified sourcing isn’t just a supply chain advantage; it’s a risk management necessity.
AX Materials: A Flexible, Globally-Positioned Partner
Our manufacturing network includes key production sites in South Korea and Vietnam, allowing us to offer customers alternatives to traditional sourcing regions that may be impacted by tariff changes. These locations aren’t just strategic – they’re also aligned with our core values of innovation, performance, and sustainability.
By operating in both countries, we provide customers with the flexibility to:
- Avoid tariffs on materials from certain regions
- Improve lead times and shipping logistics based on factory location
- Choose materials based on regional strengths, such as dyeing performance or recycled content
- Meet sustainability goals with certified, innovative textile solutions
Made in Korea: High-Performance, Sustainability-Driven Materials
Korean manufacturing is known for precision, consistency, and advanced textile engineering. AX Cinco RPET, AX Re-Ritter, and AX Ritter are just a few of our many versatile and sustainable palm materials produced in Korea.
AX Cinco RPET + ED-011 Silicon (0.90MM)
A durable, breathable material that balances grip and comfort and is ideal for gloves requiring high dexterity and rugged performance. Cinco also features a core silicon pattern (ED-011), enhancing tactile control while increasing production efficiency. As a packaged material made with recycled polyester, it helps brands meet both performance and environmental goals. Explore Cinco RPET
AX Re-Ritter (0.55MM) and AX Ritter (0.55MM/0.75MM)
Re-Ritter is made from 100% recycled nylon fibers sourced from discarded fishing nets, offering a lightweight and flexible option for environmentally conscious applications. This product promotes industrial circularity in glove design while ensuring performance that can endure daily use. Additionally, AX Ritter, its counterpart made from virgin nylon fibers, is available in a thicker version of 0.75MM for enhanced durability.
Explore Ritter
Made in Vietnam: Strategic Alternatives to China-Sourced Materials
Vietnam continues to grow as a go-to manufacturing hub for innovative materials, offering reliable quality and reduced tariff exposure when compared to materials made in China. AX Materials has invested in Vietnamese manufacturing to provide customers with AX Bravo RPET and AX Rivolta CDP + Connect, two of our most high-performing core palm suedes.
AX Bravo RPET (0.80MM)
An ideal replacement for standard nylon non-wovens, Bravo is made with 45% recycled polyester, offering both sustainability and versatility. Its soft hand feel and dependable durability make it a strong choice for general-purpose and high-volume glove applications.
Explore Bravo RPET
AX Rivolta CDP + Connect (0.75MM)
Using a Cationic Dyed Polyester (CDP) base, Rivolta delivers rich, long-lasting color with reduced migration risk—perfect for bold designs that need to maintain colorfastness over time. It also features AX Connect technology to power gloves with reliable touchscreen conductivity.
Explore Rivolta CDP
Supporting Your Business Through Trade Shifts
When tariffs and the trade environment shift, you don’t need to rush to adapt. Our global sourcing strategy was built with uncertainty in mind, so whether you’re focused on hitting price points, reducing risk, or meeting regional sourcing requirements, we’ve got you covered.
Our teams work closely with brands and manufacturers to select the right material from the right region, balancing performance needs, timelines, and trade considerations. Reach out to our team to learn more about how our global network can support your next product line.
