Levi’s Reports Bumper UK Profits But Warns of a Political Storm Cloud

Levi’s has reported bumper profits in the UK, with a 23% increase, but the company sees a political storm cloud on the horizon. A formal warning in its annual accounts states that “rising anti-Americanism” stemming from Trump-era policies could pose a significant threat to its sales in the region.
The company’s concern is that this sentiment could translate into a consumer preference for “national or European” products. This potential shift is listed as a key business risk, overshadowing the good news of sales climbing to £96.8 million and demonstrating how global politics now directly impacts corporate outlooks.
The fear is not without merit. Tesla, another iconic American brand, experienced a severe sales downturn in the UK in July, with its market share nearly halving. This highlights the vulnerability of US companies to negative sentiment in key international markets.
The political tensions are rooted in the Trump administration’s aggressive use of tariffs, which have created friction with many trading partners. The legality of these measures is now under intense scrutiny, with a recent federal court ruling them mostly illegal. This sets up a likely and consequential legal battle in the Supreme Court.