Book Printing Tariffs: USA vs. China Costs
In 2025, U.S.–China trade tensions escalated, with headlines early in the year warning of 145% U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and 125% Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods. These rates never took effect. Instead, on June 11, 2025, a framework agreement set U.S. tariffs at 55% and Chinese tariffs at 10%. On August 11, 2025, an executive order pared U.S. rates back to a 30% baseline, where they remain today, while China held at 10%. All of these tariffs were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which exempts “informational materials” such as printed books. As a result, finished books are exempt from these new duties.
Book-Specific Exemptions
- No reciprocal tariffs on books: IEEPA shields books from the 2025 duties.
- 7.5% Section 301 tariff continues to apply to most non-children’s books (in place since 2018).
- Children’s books (HTS 4903) and certain religious texts remain fully duty-free.
- Inputs like paper and ink may face duties, indirectly raising costs even though finished books are exempt.
Current Tariff Levels
| Measure | General Goods | Books | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. on Chinese goods | 30% baseline | 7.5% Section 301 (0% for children’s/religious) | Baseline started at 55% in June, reduced to 30% in August |
| China on U.S. goods | 10% | No book-specific duties reported | Down from proposed 125% |
Other Considerations
- Quality and options: China offers broader binding and finishing capabilities.
- Lead times: International runs require longer schedules.
- Indirect costs: Duties on paper and inks can add pressure.
- Children’s and religious books: remain duty-free under current rules.
Conclusion
The extreme tariff figures reported early in 2025 are outdated. As of September 2025, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are at a 30% baseline (not applied to books), China maintains 10%, and the only duty most books face is the longstanding 7.5% Section 301 tariff. Printing in China remains significantly cheaper than U.S. production, even after accounting for tariffs and shipping.