Impending golf shoe crisis amid new global tariffs and a nationwide import ban
Indian golfers already pay high import duties on golf equipment and now a steep hike in international tariffs may push global golf equipment prices up by 30–50%. Adding to this, a domestic ban on imported shoes has led to critically low availability of golf footwear across India.
In early April, U.S. President Donald Trump had announced sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at reducing America’s trade deficits. The new measures specifically target imports from Asian manufacturing hubs—China (104%), Vietnam (46%), Taiwan (32%), and South Korea (25%)—which together account for the bulk of global golf equipment production, including clubs, balls, apparel, and shoes. These new tariffs stack on top of an existing 10% base tariff, which will inevitably inflate costs for manufacturers and consumers.
For instance, a driver currently priced at ₹50,000 could soon retail for ₹70,000–₹75,000. A set of irons that once cost ₹1 lakh might jump to ₹1.3–₹1.4 lakh. The price shock is expected to hit during the latter half of 2025 or early 2026 as manufacturers push out new product lines. Smaller equipment makers may struggle most, as they may be unable to absorb the cost hike.
A Golf Digest article highlights how the U.S. market is bracing for a potential 20%–40% increase in retail pricing on golf goods. With no significant golf equipment manufacturing ecosystem in the U.S., companies like Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, and others depend almost entirely on facilities in Asia, many of which have been operational for decades.
While international pricing woes may gradually impact Indian buyers over the coming months, Indian golfers are already dealing with an immediate supply issue: a near-total shortage of golf shoes in the domestic market.
In a recent policy shift, the Indian government placed an import restriction on shoes across all categories—including sports footwear. Though aimed at curbing non-essential imports and promoting domestic manufacturing, the directive has hit Indian golf particularly hard. Most golf shoes sold in India, from brands like FootJoy, Adidas, Puma, and ECCO, are imported from Vietnam, China, or Indonesia. With import licenses temporarily suspended and no indigenous production to fall back on, shelves in pro shops and online stores are quickly emptying out.
India has seen a steady rise in golf participation, especially in Tier 1 cities, with a growing junior golf ecosystem and more corporates investing in the sport. However, rising costs and poor availability of equipment may deter newcomers and put pressure on regular players to extend the life of their gear beyond recommended usage. Rising prices might also disrupt India’s modest used-club market, which many beginners and intermediates rely on.
Indian golf authorities will need to lobby for special consideration under the import restrictions and explore strategic partnerships with domestic footwear makers, as tariff negotiations and global trade dynamics continue to shape the long-term affordability of golf equipment worldwide.