With President Trump’s new “reciprocal tariffs” taking effect in April 2025, one of the most common questions we’ve been hearing lately is, “How will these new tariffs affect the cost of printing my books in China?”
We actually have some good news for you! Despite Trump’s tariffs impacting a wide range of Chinese imports, printed books are excluded thanks to long-standing exemptions for “informational materials”.
That said, there are still some existing tariffs on certain types of books, and international shipping costs continue to be a factor.
Here’s what you need to know…
- Book are exempt for the ‘reciprocal tariffs’ recently levied by Trump on Chinese imports.
- An existing 7.5% tariff does still apply to most non-children’s books.
- Children’s picture books, board books, and books for early readers are exempt from ALL tariffs.
Books are Exempt from Trump’s “Reciprocal Tariffs”
The tariffs recently imposed by Donald Trump on Chinese goods fall under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Under this law, there is a longstanding exemption for “informational materials,” which includes printed books. As a result, books are not subject to the sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” associated with the current Trump administration’s trade war.
This exemption is rooted in the First Amendment and codified in both U.S. law and international agreements, protecting the free flow of information across borders. As a result, books avoid many of the tariffs placed on other foreign-manufactured goods.
A 7.5% Tariff Still Applies to Many Books
However, there is still a 7.5% tariff on some types of printed books imported from China. This tariff was introduced in the Section 301 tariffs during the first Trump administration and has remained in place under the Biden administration. It is not related to the IEEPA exemptions but instead was categorized separately in earlier trade actions.
This 7.5% tariff generally applies to bound printed books other than children’s books, such as novels, comic books, art books, cookbooks, journals, travel guides, and many other genres of books that we print.
Children’s Books are Exempt from All US Tariffs
If you’re printing a children’s book, we have great news for you! Children’s picture books, which fall under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code 4903, are exempt from the 7.5% tariff. So books intended for children benefit from a 0% tariff rate. This includes:
- Board books
- Picture books
- Early reader books designed primarily for children
Simplify Your Book Printing with PufferPrint
At PufferPrint, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate international tariffs, shipping fees, customs regulations, and fluctuating freight costs—especially when you’re trying to stay on budget and on deadline.
That’s why one of the key advantages of working with us is our 90-day guaranteed pricing. Our quotes give you an all-in price, inclusive of freight costs, U.S. import duties and tariffs, customs brokerage, port and handling fees, taxes and insurance.
This means no surprise bills, no worrying about container rate spikes or unexpected import fees, and no need to track complex trade rules. We handle all the logistics, so you can focus on creating great books—not on navigating international trade.
Whether you’re printing children’s books, journals, or comic books, PufferPrint gives you price certainty and peace of mind in an uncertain global market.
If you’re ready to start printing, then grab your free quote!
