Foreign Print Tariffs News Update
Foreign printing is facing a tough year in 2025. New trade policies from China are jacking up costs, and it’s hitting businesses hard. Shipping prices are climbing, and there’s talk of hefty new fees at U.S. ports. This started with big tariff announcements, and it’s only getting trickier. For anyone importing books or brochures, the math doesn’t look good. Printing Partners offers a way out—affordable printing right here in the USA, no trade chaos needed. White House trade policies have set the stage for these changes.
Tariff Increase and Impact on Print Costs
New 104% Tariff
On April 9, 2025, the U.S. slammed a 104% tariff on Chinese imports. That turns a $100 print order into $204—$104 just for tariffs. Books, brochures, magazines, and puzzles all take the hit, making overseas jobs a lot less appealing. The White House spelled it out in their latest order here. It’s part of a push to fix trade imbalances, but it’s rough on printers.
A Risky Loophole
Shipping Costs from Overseas
Shipping from China keeps piling on expenses. Even if you dodge the tariff, getting your prints to the U.S. isn’t cheap or fast. For a $100 print order (10 kg of books or similar):
- Air Freight: $50-$100 ($5-$10 per kg). Total: $150-$200. Takes 4-7 days but cuts deep into savings.
- Sea Freight: $150-$300 (small shipment minimum). Total: $250-$400. Takes 23-40 days, testing your patience.
Shipping rates are based on 2025 trends from sources like Freightos. They’re a big reason overseas printing feels less worth it.
Your Solution
Why roll the dice with overseas printing? Printing Partners in the USA gives you a steady, stress-free option that saves money and time.
- No Tariffs or Fees: A $100 job stays near $100. No 104% tariff, no shipping costs, and no port fee surprises to mess up your budget.
- Fast Delivery: Forget 4-40 day shipping waits. We print locally, so your books, brochures, or puzzles land in days—quick and easy.
- Reliable Costs: Trade rules won’t blindside you. Our prices hold firm, and you’re backing American jobs with every order.
Check out our services.
How Printing Partners Keeps Costs Low
- Tariff-Free: No US tariff that effects print applies to our work.
- Stable Supplies: Long-established ties with U.S. paper and ink vendors mean we dodge tariffs on raw materials.
- Fast Service: Local printing cuts shipping delays from foreign supply chains.
We handle books, puzzles, catalogs, and more with no tariff markup. Check our setup at www.printingpartners.net/equipment-list. Businesses are already asking us to quote jobs they’re pulling from foreign suppliers.
Indianapolis: Your Printing Advantage
In Indianapolis, the crossroads of America, we save you time and money. Our central location beats coastal shipping costs and avoids retaliatory tariffs. With access to major highways and rail networks, Indianapolis ensures your print jobs move quickly across the U.S., cutting delivery times by days compared to ports like Los Angeles or New York. This efficiency means you get your projects faster without the delays often tied to international shipping.
Printing Partners takes full advantage of Indy’s benefits to deliver for you. Our established relationships with local vendors and our central hub position let us streamline production and distribution, keeping your costs low and your deadlines met.
Conclusion
The 104% tariff pushes a $100 print order from China to $204—unless you snag that “informational materials” exemption. But even then, shipping costs $150-$400, and proposed port fees up to $1.5M per ship could add more headaches if they hit. Foreign printing’s full of risks, and the loophole might not last—details are here. CNN’s take is here.
Print with Printing Partners in the USA instead. Keep costs at ~$100, skip delays, and avoid trade traps. Contact us today at PrintingPartners.net!
About the Author
Kraig Downham is the Marketing Director at Printing Partners, a key player in offset commercial printing. Since 2005, he has contributed to marketing, design, and technology at Printing Partners. As a color expert, Kraig ensures high-quality prints. His work ethic and dedication come from a 10-year journey with 4-H. Learn more about Kraig's work at Printing Partners.
- Article Written April 9, 2025