Tariff Changes??

[Rigged]

Wow! Their leather kilts look good! The leather UK I own doesn't have useful pockets (one tiny back pocket), so that limits the how often I wear it.

[wolfgang]

what kiltmakers you have in germany?

I did not say there are kiltmakers in Germany. I had Kilts&More* and other online stores in my mind.

* http://www.kiltsandmore.de
http://www.scottish-highlander-shop.de/
http://www.scottishsupplies.de/

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Hey Ron, you NOT NOT BELIEVE the tariffs and taxes that are on OUR stuff going overseas. This applies to Europe and the Far East especially. It's their way of protecting THEIR companies, and it's been that way for about 15 years. It got REALLY bad in the 1990's when the US government did NOTHING to offset the taxes being levied on our exports.
Notice how HORRID the US textiles industry is NOW as compared to the 1980's? This is why.

Only now is the government willing to tell the other countries to play fair or pay for it. With the current administration it's more than a threat.

Simply put, it could either mean that we'll be paying a lot more for imports... or we'll be boosting our domestic production for overseas shipping since the fees will be lessened.

Either way, it's a possible boost for domestic production of textiles. Either we produce more to ship, OR we have increased need for domestic textiles since the imports will be out-of-sight with the taxes! The future of imported tartans to the USA could get VERY expensive... even higher than now.

[bubba]

Jimmy, as it stands the WTO is supporting the imposition of trade sactions on the US for "protectionist laws". It's ok for every other nation to protect their industries, but not the US. Imports across the board are going to go through the roof, if not become unobtainable. I wish we'd get busy and reestablish our own industries again, including textiles which are almost nonexistant in the US now.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I wish we'd get busy and reestablish our own industries again, including textiles which are almost nonexistant in the US now.

I hear you brother! THIS is why there are SO MANY incentives for new businesses in the USA. They see it coming in Washingotn, and the TRULY entrepreneurial soul will benefit from jumping on the opportunities!

Let the rest of the world b_itch and whine when they don't see the almighty American dollar supporting their businesses. This could be HUGE for employment and investment.

Anyone know of an abandoned textile mill that's fully machined and available?

[bubba]

Jimmy, we have to start over from scratch. All the industry that went off shore took the machunery with em and left rotting dilapidated buildings behind. The worse part is much of it was done at taxpayer expense. It'll take big capital investment to start over with modern equipment and the purpose built physical plant.

[Hamish]

Wow! Their leather kilts look good! The leather UK I own doesn't have useful pockets (one tiny back pocket), so that limits the how often I wear it.

Well now, Rigged and Tim, I have a 'Union Kilts' heavy leather kilt which I am currently 'test-driving' for them. I will not go into detail here because they are likely to take on board some of my comments and make a few alterations soon. I will say this: yes, it does initially look something like the Utilikilt - but it IS different. Like the Utilikilt model, it is very well made and is supremely comfortable, but I am not over happy at the moment about the hang of the pleats (that is one of the modifications they are looking at). The pockets are a boon. Like you, Rigged, I miss them on the leather Utilikilt (but I love it all the same!). Once I have assessed the modifications, I will give a more detailed report.

Here's a photo of me trying to look 'Butch' in it!!

[Rigged]

Oh! Stop the presses! Hamish Wears a HAT!!

I think I'm gonna faint...

[Rigged]

OK. Now that I've caught my breath. The kilt looks great. I do notice that it doesn't seem to have as many pleats as the leather Utilikilt. I like the overall look though, and the pockets.

I'll have to start saving my nickels...

[Hamish]

Oh! Stop the presses! Hamish Wears a HAT!!

I think I'm gonna faint...

Yes, I KNOW!! And doesn't it just NOT suit me one iota?! I just do not seem to be able to wear a hat, any hat, and look as though I'm happy with it.

I put this one on for the piccie because it says "Union Kilts" above the peak - it came with the kilt and I'll try to wear it to promote the name, but nobody hold their breath!

By the way, there are no logos on the kilt itself.