ROMO Tackles US Import Tariffs But CEO Henry Says India Irreplaceable
September 29, 2025
Frederic Henry
CHAGRIN FALLS, OH (USA) The US based arm of Romo in Nottingham, UK is tackling the American tariffs on imports according to Frederic Henry, CEO of RomoInc.
“This is certainly an unusual situation, these tariffs,” Henry says. “We are used to factoring duties into our contribution margins but those were solely based on composition/fabric quality/type–never on country of origin. The challenge is to manage that volatility, knowing that imposed tariffs can change almost overnight.
Here are Henry's key takeaways:
“Once these tariffs remain in force and are more stable, they will simply be embedded in the cost price and product prices will inevitably increase. The EU remains strong: Over 80% of Romo sourcing is done in the EU, which secures relatively favorable terms or the best of them all,” he says.
“Wallcoverings are the biggest challenge change, moving from duty-free to 15%.
The China impact is limited. We have minimal exposure, mostly in a few handmade wallcoverings. China is not a core textile source for Romo but India stays essential; despite tariff headwinds, India remains key for premium embroideries, silks and velvets; these products are not easily replicated elsewhere.”
“Henry’s Market outlook: Business has held steady at post-Covid levels,” he says. “The US Housing market remains a watchpoint, but financial markets continue to show unexpected strength despite tariff volatility.”
“This is certainly an unusual situation, these tariffs,” Henry says. “We are used to factoring duties into our contribution margins but those were solely based on composition/fabric quality/type–never on country of origin. The challenge is to manage that volatility, knowing that imposed tariffs can change almost overnight.
Here are Henry's key takeaways:
“Once these tariffs remain in force and are more stable, they will simply be embedded in the cost price and product prices will inevitably increase. The EU remains strong: Over 80% of Romo sourcing is done in the EU, which secures relatively favorable terms or the best of them all,” he says.
“Wallcoverings are the biggest challenge change, moving from duty-free to 15%.
The China impact is limited. We have minimal exposure, mostly in a few handmade wallcoverings. China is not a core textile source for Romo but India stays essential; despite tariff headwinds, India remains key for premium embroideries, silks and velvets; these products are not easily replicated elsewhere.”
“Henry’s Market outlook: Business has held steady at post-Covid levels,” he says. “The US Housing market remains a watchpoint, but financial markets continue to show unexpected strength despite tariff volatility.”
