{"id":4363,"date":"2025-04-09T15:16:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T22:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.morganchaney.com\/blog\/?p=4363"},"modified":"2025-05-21T08:06:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T15:06:10","slug":"tariffs-import-fees-packaging-what-businesses-need-to-know-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.morganchaney.com\/blog\/tariffs-import-fees-packaging-what-businesses-need-to-know-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Tariffs, Import Fees & Packaging: What Businesses Need to Know Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve purchased packaging for your business in the past year, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve run into something unexpected: tariff fees.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From shifting international trade policies to fluctuating material costs, the cost of importing packaging materials and finished products<\/strong> into the U.S. has become more complex\u2014and more expensive. For many businesses, these changes can impact packaging budgets, timelines, and sourcing decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what business owners need to know about navigating tariffs, avoiding unnecessary import fees, and making smarter packaging choices<\/strong>\u2014especially during times of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Are Tariffs & Why Tariffs Are Affecting Packaging Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tariffs are government-imposed fees on imported goods, and they\u2019ve become a hot topic in recent times. They are becoming increasingly common on a variety of materials and products\u2014including paper, plastic, and packaging components.<\/strong> Even when you’re not importing directly, these costs often get passed down from manufacturers or distributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To make things even trickier, many American-made packaging companies still rely on imported raw materials<\/strong> like paperboard, plastics, or handles. So, even \u201cMade in the USA\u201d packaging may not be entirely exempt from cost increases if those base materials are affected by tariffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s critical to have a relationship with and understand who you\u2019re working with to source it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Avoid Tariff Fees and Unnecessary Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While tariffs might be outside your control, there are a few ways you can minimize risk and avoid unnecessary expenses<\/strong> when ordering packaging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Buy American-Made (When Possible)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing packaging that\u2019s manufactured in the USA is one of the best ways to avoid tariffs altogether. Even if raw materials are imported, many domestic manufacturers are not subject to the same fees on finished goods.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask your packaging supplier if American-made packaging is possible for you\u2014and whether they offer any stock<\/a> or custom packaging<\/a> that\u2019s produced entirely in the U.S.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At Morgan Chaney, we offer a range of solutions to help you avoid tariffs and shop American-made. Our Semi-Custom Packaging\u2122<\/a><\/strong> program allows you to print your logo on in-stock items that are produced domestically, giving you the flexibility of branded packaging with lower minimums and faster turnaround times.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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For businesses looking for something more tailored, we also offer fully custom packaging<\/a> options made right here in the USA<\/strong>. While not all custom packaging is domestically produced, many of our U.S.-based manufacturing partners can provide fully custom solutions depending on your product type, timeline, and budget.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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If avoiding international tariffs is a priority, reach out to us<\/a>\u2014we\u2019ll help you find the best domestic option<\/strong> for your specific needs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

2. Work with a Trusted Packaging Supplier<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is not the time to go it alone. Tariff rates have been changing quickly, and navigating suppliers, freight, customs fees, and sourcing is no small task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you work with an experienced company like Morgan Chaney<\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019re not just ordering packaging\u2014you\u2019re gaining a team of professionals<\/strong> who understand how to source efficiently, avoid unnecessary costs, and help you make informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We actively work with clients to identify the best options<\/strong> for their unique needs, whether that means finding a domestic source or planning ahead to avoid costly surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ask About Stock Availability<\/strong> & Domestic Printing Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ordering custom packaging<\/a><\/strong> sourced overseas and want to avoid tariff fees, ask your supplier whether they offer printing options to the packaging that is already in their U.S. warehouses. Choosing from available inventory can help you avoid international import tariffs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to ask your supplier directly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n