Why the cheapest FOB price isn't the cheapest clothing anymore
FOB is the price at the exporting port. Landed cost adds freight, insurance, duty, extra tariffs, broker fees and the cost of delays. US tariffs changed three times in 2026, so two suppliers with similar FOB prices can land very differently. Compare suppliers on landed cost for your exact HS code, checked on a stated date.
| Cost | What sets it |
|---|---|
| Freight and insurance | Route, mode and season |
| Normal import duty | Your HS code and the origin. Preference programmes such as QIZ (US) or EUR.1 (EU) can remove it. |
| Extra US tariffs | Section 301 tariffs on about 60 economies from 24 July 2026 |
| Broker and port fees | Per entry, per shipment |
| Delay and chargeback risk | Late delivery, labelling errors, failed inspection |
| Inventory carrying | Longer transit ties up cash for longer |
Why 2026 broke FOB comparisons
On 20 February 2026 the US Supreme Court ruled that the IEEPA reciprocal tariffs were unlawful. A flat temporary tariff replaced them until July. On 24 July 2026, Section 301 tariffs of 10–12.5% took effect on about 60 economies. A supplier that was cheapest in January may not be cheapest now.
How origin programmes change the math
Clothing from QIZ-certified factories in Egypt enters the United States duty-free. Into the EU, a valid EUR.1 removes duty entirely. Ask every supplier which programme applies to your goods, and which documents prove it.
The costs that don't show on a quote
For a wholesaler, the expensive problems are late delivery, colour that shifts between reorders, and labels that fail a retailer's check. Each one can mean a chargeback or a lost account. A supplier with a published calendar and a locked, approved specification costs less than its FOB suggests.
What to ask for in every quote
- FOB per price break, per colour
- The HS code the supplier will declare
- Which origin programme applies, and the documents
- The production calendar from sample to ex-factory
- Payment terms
- The inspection standard, for example AQL 2.5
Our published prices
We publish our price breaks instead of 'price on request'. Jersey tees are $6.90, $5.90 and $4.50 FOB at 50, 500 and 2,000+ pieces. Fleece is $8.90, $7.90 and $6.90. These are for a standard make in stock fabric. Your tech pack sets the exact price.
Questions
Is Bangladesh cheaper than Egypt?
Often on FOB. Compare landed cost instead: duty, extra tariffs, transit time and the cost of risk on your route.
Can you label and pack to a retailer's requirements?
Labels, hangtags, polybags and carton marks are made to your artwork. Send the retailer's routing guide with your tech pack and we'll confirm what applies before quoting.
How long is the production calendar?
45–65 days from proto sample to ex-factory, for orders of 2,000–10,000 pieces.
Products in this guide
