Manufacturing Planners Overseas | April 2025 Tariff Update
TARIFF. This word is exploding all over the world in every form of media. Paraphrasing the definition in Merriam-Webster, a tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported (in some countries exported) goods. Who pays the tariff? Whoever is importing the goods—that may be you. Who receives the money? The U.S. Treasury.
Why tariffs?
The Council on Foreign Relations explains that “Tariffs can serve several goals. Like all taxes, they provide a modest* source of government revenue. Several countries have also used tariffs to help fledgling industries at home, hoping to shelter local firms from foreign competitors. Some tariffs are also meant to address unfair practices that other countries have used to make their exports artificially cheap.”
*debatable
On the flip side, according to PBS News, “tariffs can hurt foreign countries by making their products pricier and harder to sell abroad. Foreign companies might have to cut prices—and sacrifice profits—to offset the tariffs and try to maintain their market share in the United States.”
TARIFFS. PLANNERS. CHINA.
Since 2018, there has been a 25% tariff on planners and stationery products imported from China. In February 2025 an additional 10% was imposed, and then there was another 10% increase in March. In April, a whopping 125% was added on top of that. So the total tariff on planners from China is now 170%. Like I said in the beginning of this post, this tariff needs to be paid by the company who purchased and imports the goods (you) once the shipment reaches a U.S. port. Ouch!
WHAT IS COPPER BOTTOM DESIGN CO. DOING TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF TARIFFS FOR OUR CLIENTS?
We’ve been printing planners overseas for over 20 years, and are very transparent about the fact that we prefer manufacturing planners in China. We’ve got a whole playlist about it on YouTube. So what are we doing now that the tariff on planners produced in China has reached 170% with the threat of it going higher?
We’re working harder than ever to find solutions for our clients so we can continue to produce the highest quality planners at a competitive price.
In the fall of 2024 we started researching and sampling planners from other countries. We’ve found some great alternatives in South Korea, for example. Their base prices are higher than what they are in China, but once you add 170% to China’s pricing, the cost to produce elsewhere becomes attractive enough to make the switch.
WHY NOT PRINT IN THE U.S.?
Unfortunately, the U.S. doesn’t have the infrastructure to support this type of manufacturing. Not all factories can print tabbed pages or add common features like elastic closures, nice faux leather covers, high quality coil bindings, sticker pages, pocket folders, and more. Other countries, such as China and South Korea, do.
Why is this the case? China built their economy around manufacturing. In the 1980s, China started expanding its manufacturing capabilities. By the early 2000s China had solidified its position as the “world’s factory.” For over 40 years they’ve built factories and supply networks, perfecting the craft of producing high quality goods at a competitive price.
I would love to support a U.S. company. Really, I would. But I cannot justify paying more money for an inferior product. It just doesn’t make sense. And we can’t wait another 20+ years for the U.S. to get up to speed. This may sound harsh, but it is the reality that we’re facing. I’d love to be proven wrong.
Click here for more of my thoughts on printing in China vs the U.S.
WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE US?
We at Copper Bottom are working harder than ever to find alternatives for our clients. We’re moving production to other countries and making a lot of contingency plans. We planned for this and are prepared to keep the production of our clients’ products moving—smoothly and efficiently. And we’re doing all this while maintaining our relationships with our vendors in China because they are facing these challenges as well.
We’ve got this.
As small business owners we are smart, strong, and agile. We are resilient. We will get through this and come out better on the other side.
If you need help plotting your next move, or have any questions, reach out to us. We’re here for you!
Have you been feeling inspired and ready to kick off the design process for your own custom planner?
I created a guide featuring 5 things your day planner MUST include . . . and it’s available now at the link below.
