The Trump Administration has imposed a range of tariffs on different countries and goods—but at least for now, books have fared well. Since Trump's executive order implementing the new tariffs was issued under the Cold War–era International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), numerous categories were eligible for exemptions, including books.
A recently released federal document shows the many categories that are not subject to tariffs, a list that includes “printed matter, nesoi,” which translates to “not elsewhere specified or included.” Other items that are specifically mentioned include printed books and children's picture, drawing, and coloring books. In addition, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) remains intact, meaning that goods considered “compliant”—among them books and paper—will not face new tariffs.
While no new tariffs on books are imminent, the existing 7.5% tariffs on books printed in China implemented by the first Trump administration, which were kept in place under President Biden, remain in force. Bibles and other religion books also remain exempted from the new tariffs. While paper from Canada is exempt from the tariffs for the moment, it is unclear whether paper, pulp, and ink imported from other countries will be subject to higher duties. If so, that could raise prices for American printers.
Publishers and printers have been preparing for months about how to handle new tariffs, but continue to be met with frequent changes that raise new questions. With the tariff situation remaining extremely fluid, the Association of American Publishers continues to monitor events. "Because trade policy is incremental, we are focused on working with the president’s team and Congress as they consider long-term strategies to strengthen the international economic position of American businesses and workers,” said Lui Simpson, EVP of global policy for the AAP.
