Tariffs have rattled retail stocks all year, pushing companies like Nike (NKE) to shift manufacturing out of China and rethink global sales strategies. Vietnam quickly became a top manufacturing alternative, until new tariff threats put that plan in jeopardy earlier this year.
Now, a fresh trade deal between the U.S. and Vietnam has eased some of those concerns. The agreement sets tariffs at 20%, far lower than the 46% rate floated in April. That news sent retail stocks climbing. Nike shares rose 4% on July 2, while Under Armour (UA), Levi Strauss (LEVI), and others followed with smaller gains.
