The declaration was made on Friday during a visit made by President Obama to Nike’s World Headquarters. According to the giant sportswear manufacturer, footwear tariff relief would allow Nike to accelerate development of new advanced manufacturing methods and a domestic supply chain to support US based manufacturing.

This advanced manufacturing model is expected to lead to the creation of up to 10 000 manufacturing and engineering jobs in addition to thousands of construction jobs and up to 40 000 indirect supply chain and service jobs in the United States over the next decade.

“We believe agreements that encourage free and fair trade allow Nike to do what we do best: innovate, expand our businesses and drive economic growth. Nike has always led the way in product innovation, and now we will be able to accelerate our investments to continue to drive manufacturing innovation,” said Mark Parker, President & CEO of Nike, Inc.

The US-based giant believes that US-based manufacturing would allow Nike to deliver product faster to market, create innovative performance footwear, provide customized solutions for consumers, and advance on sustainability goals.

“We commend President Obama for his strong leadership to advance these important trade initiatives” stated Mr. Parker, adding: “Our employees and our business depend on free trade and the ability to reach athletes and consumers around the world.”

Nike employs 26 000 people in the US, including more than 8 500 in Oregon, and does business in 190 countries around the world. The sportswear giant currently has a manufacturing footprint in the US that includes footwear air sole manufacturing in Oregon and Missouri and relationships with manufacturing partners across the United States that employ thousands of Americans.