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? There’s now a 90 day pause on the highest proposed Chinese tariff increases. So while cost increases haven’t gone away completely, there’s a bit of breathing space, and some smart planning can help keep your project on track. And once the 90 days are up on August 10th? It’s anyone’s guess. The pause could be extended, but there’s no guarantee. Most importers are choosing to move quickly while the window is open.

What’s 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.

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 a 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: 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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