Blog

Tariffs, Packaging, and What It All Means for Your Business

7th May 2025

If you’ve been hearing more about tariffs lately, you’re not alone—and you’re not the only one wondering what it could mean for your business. Tariffs are affecting all kinds of imported goods, including some packaging materials. That can lead to rising costs, longer lead times, and a few unexpected headaches if you’re not prepared.

The good news? You’ve got options, and we’re here to help you stay ahead.

So, What’s Actually Going On?

The short version: The U.S. has increased tariffs on a range of imported products. Some of those include paper and plastic materials used in packaging. If your packaging comes from overseas, this could mean:

  • Added fees (sometimes baked into pricing, sometimes not)
  • Slower turnaround times and port delays
  • Uncertainty around future costs

But that’s not always the case—it really depends on where your packaging is coming from and how it’s being sourced.

         


Not Sure Where Your Packaging Comes From? Just Ask.

One of the easiest ways to gain clarity is by checking in with your sales rep. Ask them:

  • Where is my packaging made?
  • Are any tariffs already built into my quote?
  • If they’re not, who would be responsible for paying them if they pop up later?

These are smart, proactive questions—and we’re always happy to talk through them.

How We’re Helping You Stay Ahead

We’ve made a few strategic moves behind the scenes so you don’t get caught off guard:

We source smart. Our supply chain includes both domestic and international partners, so we’re able to pivot quickly as prices and availability change. 

We’ve stocked up. We’ve built up our inventory of best-sellers and essentials so you’re not waiting on backorders or delayed shipments.

We’ve got plenty of Made-in-America options. These products aren’t affected by tariff fees or import slowdowns. Plus, they come with the added bonus of supporting a family-owned U.S. business (hey, that’s us!).

You can still go custom. If you need branded packaging, we offer in-house custom options that are made right here in Dover, Delaware—fast, on-brand, and completely tariff-free.

         

 

What You Can Do Now

  • Plan ahead. If you’ve got a busy season coming up, ordering ahead will give you the most flexibility and peace of mind.
  • Ask the right questions. Confirm where your packaging is made, whether tariffs are built into your quote, and who’s responsible if fees change. (We’re happy to walk you through it.)
  • Ask about alternatives. If a product you usually order is impacted, there’s often a U.S.-made version we can recommend.

We’re Here (and We’re Paying Attention)

Tariffs can be confusing. But the good news is: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you're reordering your go-to supplies or starting something brand new, our team is ready to make the process smooth and simple.

Got questions? Just reach out—we’re always happy to help!