Tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs — what else is there to talk about in the US these days? Even the latest edition of Lineapelle New York, which closed on Thursday, 17 July, at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Pavilion, couldn’t avoid the topic. Hosting around 100 exhibitors, the event unveiled the Autumn/Winter 2026/2027 trends (with the overarching theme Just Before, set by the Lineapelle Fashion Committee). More than a trade fair, Lineapelle New York once again proved to be a strategic tool for entering a market that demands consistency, patience, and long-term vision. As one exhibitor from a Tuscan tannery put it: “The clients we were expecting turned up — and considering the current climate, that’s already something to be satisfied with”.
Looking beyond the tariffs
Exhibitors were reassured by the quality of visitor engagement, though the mood was tempered by concerns over the latest wave of US tariffs introduced under Trump. A 30% duty — due to take effect on 1 August unless overturned — will be levied on European exports to the US. Paired with a weak dollar, the measure represents a major hurdle in a price-sensitive market. “There’s widespread uncertainty among clients”, commented David Bilanceri of Ausonia. “They came, yes — but they’re worried. Our product is already considered a high-end option due to its cost. Add new tariffs, and the challenge grows even steeper”. For this reason, the overall sentiment at the fair reinforced one of Lineapelle New York’s key roles: acting as a strategic outpost for brands approaching the US market — not with haste, but with a clear, long-term mindset.
A long-term strategic vision
“The retail price increases that will inevitably result from tariffs are clearly a short-term disadvantage”, says Stefano Giacomelli, CEO of Tivoli Group. “But we remain firmly committed to our long-term strategy: to position ourselves as a trusted partner — even for American brands. We offer quality, flexibility, and can meet the growing demand for local, traceable, and sustainable production”. He continues: “The situation is evolving rapidly. And despite the volatility and uncertainty, we still see the US as a key market for the future of our group.
Even if it coincides with a turbulent period, our presence at Lineapelle New York is an opportunity — to strengthen relationships and continue telling our story to potential partners”. That story, he explains, is one of balance: between artisanal expertise, technological innovation, and a well-structured industrial organisation. “Our participation in the fair — alongside our support for academic training — fits into a much broader, long-term vision. It’s about building a future, not chasing short-term gains”.
