US TRADE TARIFFS

If you’re producing books, games, packaging, or calendars for the US market, you will have heard the news: big tariff changes were announced recently, and there’s been a lot of uncertainty.

The good news is that books, as “informational materials,” remain exempt worldwide. But other categories such as calendars, stationery, packaging, and games are directly affected and facing steep increases.

With freight traffic already surging, most importers are acting quickly to secure shipments while this window remains open.

Latest Updates

August 11, 2025
The Trump administration has extended the China tariff pause by another 90 days, now running through November 10th, 2025.

August 8, 2025
New reciprocal tariffs were announced, applying to a wide range of goods from multiple countries. Rates range from 10% to 41%, depending on origin.

Key points to note:

  • Books (Chapter 49) remain exempt as “informational materials,” regardless of country of manufacture.

  • China

    • General books: 7.5% (Section 301, unchanged)

    • Journals, stationery & packaging (Chapter 48): 25% (Section 301) + 30% (reciprocal) = 55% effective

    • Games, puzzles, tarot decks, toys (Chapter 95): 30%

  • Vietnam – 20%

  • South Korea – 15%

  • Thailand – 19%

  • Malaysia – 19%

  • India – 25% (+ another 25% from Aug 27 = 50% effective)

  • Europe – 15%

  • Turkey – 15%

  • Bosnia – 30%

  • Serbia – 35%

  • Colombia – 10%

Remember: these tariffs apply only to goods not considered “informational materials.” Most of Chapter 49 (books) continues to be protected.

What’s been happening with US Trade Tariffs on Print Production?

  • On April 9th, 2025, the US introduced new US trade tariffs that target various goods, including products related to print production.
  • On May 12th 2025, a 90-day suspension on the most extreme recent tariffs has been announced. A new 30% base tariff is now in place during this pause period.
  • As of May 28th, there has been a major change regarding US tariffs following a decision by the US Court of International Trade, which ruled that President Trump lacked the legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to enact a sweeping series of trade penalties. The ruling voids many of the tariffs except for those that weren’t done under the Act, for example, cars and steel which were Section 232.
  • The late afternoon May 29th update to this is that the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has today issued a temporary stay of the decision pending further proceedings. So, for now, there is no change to the current tariffs being collected and the tariff rates remain as set out in our blog below. We don’t know how long the appeal process will be and if it works its way up to the Supreme Court for a final decision, but for now there is no change
  • June 11, 2025: A deal was announced between the US and China following talks in London. While no formal written statement has been released, officials confirmed a total 55% tariff on certain Chinese imports:

    • 20% fentanyl-linked tariff

    • 10% reciprocal tariff

    • 25% Section 301 tariffs from 2018 (unchanged)

The Trump administration says that it plans to appeal the decision. We will update this page with the specific rates, as well as how tariffs will be handled pending appeal, as soon as we know more.

The new tariffs are imposed under the IEEPA*, granting the US President emergency trade powers, but books are protected as “informational materials” and mostly exempt from these additional charges.

Here’s what we believe to be the current breakdown based on product type and tariff chapter:

Books – chapter 49
  • From China:
    • General books (like novels, textbooks, etc.): 7.5% tariff under Section 301 (no new 30% IEEPA* tariff on top) 
    • Children’s picture books and religious books: 0% (still exempt)
    • Calendars: Not exempt under Annex III = 30% + 7.5% = 37.5%
  • From anywhere else:
    • Calendars: 10%
    • Other books: 0%

Most books remain relatively unaffected but calendars, which fall under the same chapter, are not exempt from the new charges.

US TRADE TARIFFS BOOKS
US TRADE TARIFFS STATIONERY PACKAGING
Stationery & Packaging – chapter 48
  • From China:
    • 30% new IEEPA* tariff
    • Section 301 tariff: 25% 
      • Total cumulative tariff: 55%

➤ This is one of the hardest-hit categories. If your packaging is currently sourced from China, you might want to review costs and timelines.

  • From other countries: 10%
  • From Mexico: 0% (if made with North American-sourced paper).
Games & Toys (includes jigsaws, board games, puzzles, and playing cards) – chapter 95
  • From China:
    • 30% total tariff (during 90-day pause)

➤ It’s not the 145% we feared, but it’s still a significant jump. If you’re producing in volume, that 30% adds up fast.

  • From other countries: 10%
  • From Mexico: 0% if USMCA**-compliant
GAMES & TOYS TARIFFS

  • *IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act):
    The IEEPA is a law that grants the President of the United States the power to regulate international commerce during national emergencies. Tariffs under the IEEPA, such as those imposed on Chinese imports, are part of an economic response strategy to address perceived threats to U.S. interests, often in the context of national security or trade imbalances.

  • **USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement):
    The USMCA is a trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It includes provisions for tariff-free trade on qualifying goods, provided they meet specific rules of origin requirements, such as the use of North American-sourced materials.

us trade tariffs

What should you do?
Shipping lines are already reporting a surge in traffic from China, many held-back shipments are now being rushed through during this 90-day window.

💡 Our advice?

  • Book shipments early to avoid delays or rising freight rates.

  • Check product classification codes carefully.

  • Contact us to explore our non-China sourcing to minimise risk or costs.

While there is talk of extending this pause as negotiations continue, there’s no guarantee. If you’re planning a project, now is the time to act.

Need more advice? Let’s talk.

We’re closely monitoring these changes and will continue to keep you informed. If you’re unsure how the US trade tariffs on print production will impact your projects, don’t hesitate to reach out. Imago Group is here to support you in keeping your production on track and budget-friendly.

Do you have an upcoming project?

Contact us today to discover how Imago Group can assist you in meeting your requirements and budget criterias.

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