A Study on Tariff Policy and Sports Market Changes: A Case Study of the Trump Administration’s Tariff Policy in the U.S. in 2025

Purpose: This study aims to identify the impact of government policy on the sporting goods supply market, a sector of the real economy, and to identify policy alternatives. Method: Focusing on the 2025 U.S. tariff policy as a primary case study, this research investigated how government interventions influence the supply of sporting goods. The study employed a Secondary Data Analysis (SDA) approach through systematic literature reviews and a longitudinal analysis of monthly trade trends based on U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) data. Computational data analysis was conducted with the assistance of large language models, specifically ChatGPT 5.2 and Gemini 3 Pro. Results: The findings revealed a sharp contraction in sporting goods imports between February and April 2025. Imports from major trade partners involved in disputes, specifically China, Mexico, and Canada, declined substantially during this period. In contrast, imports from Vietnam and Indonesia, which faced relatively fewer trade conflicts, showed a strategic increase over the same period. Conclusion: These findings suggest that tariff policy changes function as a catalyst for supply chain restructuring. Excessive dependence on a limited number of sourcing countries may undermine national supply stability, demonstrating how diplomatic friction directly impacts the sports goods market. To mitigate these risks, the study recommends implementing tariff and tax relief measures to stabilize supply prices and diversifying import supply chains. In addition, medium-to-long-term policies are needed to foster the domestic sporting goods industry, with the aim of reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency in sports-related product supply.