There is a lot of uncertainty about how recent tariffs in the US may effect wool and how it is priced. So far, since our product line is heavily produced domestically, we haven’t seen any effects on our costs or your interest in using our wool. As of now we’re not planning any across the board increases in 2025.
That said, we may not restock silk when we run out. We did happen to bring in a significant amount for us earlier this year and we expect it to last another few months when hopefully things may calm down on the tariff front. We haven’t raised the price.
Our other significant imported product is our dyed wool line. After a few years of floundering around with the loss of U.S. production and then finding reluctant suppliers for our modest needs overseas, we feel confident in our current Spanish supplier. While we continue to look for a viable onshore options, we are planning to keep the current 18 color line of dyed Corriedale wool.
The cost machinations see us already paying a 3.9% duty already for our Spain produced wool and the prospects for now are a move to 10%. So if we add the freight and handling costs the overall impact is one we can absorb without a price increase for now.
Another challenge we’re addressing is our carded sliver supply. The mill who made it for us abruptly closed and we have no idea if this is a temporary or permanent. Fortunately we’re pretty long in most of the 15 or so types we offer. If you’ve got a product you make out of any particular type of Scoured Carded Sliver, you may want to check with us on our supply. Otherwise, we have a few ideas on how to replace our lost carding mill and we look forward to working that out over the summer.
Many of you have inquired about the Targhee Top, which we added to our line in 2023 and has quickly grown to be one of our most popular products. Our supplier is experiencing a bit of a gap, but we are hopeful we’ll have it back in stock later this year. So far we’ve resisted seeking out imported alternatives with the same specifications, and have put our Rambouillet Top on sale at the Targhee price. We also have three carded sliver Targhee types that are on sale too. Y’all are eating up the Oatmeal Merino/Targhee and we’re so glad you love it as much as we do.
Meanwhile, we are open to any thoughts or ideas on what to buy or produce. We’re always looking for new opportunities to offer unique products on our website. FLEECES! We have some beautiful raw wool from a few of the best wool growers in Massachusetts. Keep an eye out in the One Offs as we sort through them and offer up a few unusual items. Looking for locks? We just took in a few bags.
Before, and now beyond the realm that is our website is R.H. Lindsay Company’s 89 years of being on the front line of the American Wool Textile industry. While most of our ‘industrial’ clients are gone we still have the capability to supply more than just a few pounds or a ‘bump’ of something. We trade bales, small lots, containers or even truckloads now and again. So, if you don’t see it on our site and you need it be sure to ASK!