The Tariff Tide and Its Price Push
In 2025, U.S. tariffs have surged to levels not seen since the 1930s. According to Yale’s Budget Lab, the average effective tariff rate is now at least 20–22%, sending consumer prices up 1.3–2.2% across the board—even more in materials-intensive sectors like textiles, packaging, and print (Yale Budget Lab, 2025).
The Congressional Budget Office projects a 0.4 percentage point bump in core inflation in both 2025 and 2026 due to current tariff policy (CBO, June 2025). Roughly three out of four U.S. businesses report passing those costs directly to customers (Wharton Budget Model, 2025).
Why the Commercial Printing Industry Feels the Pinch
Raw Material Price Pressure
Tariffs on aluminum, paper chemicals, and equipment affect nearly every aspect of printing, especially packaging and point-of-purchase displays.Supply Chain Shifts & Delays
As companies reroute sourcing away from China, inconsistent quality, longer lead times, and freight cost volatility increase complexity.Volatile Price Forecasting
New tariffs can be implemented with little notice—such as the 50% steel and aluminum tariffs introduced in June 2025—disrupting budget projections overnight.
The RPI Difference: Made in the U.S.A.
All RPI Graphic Data Solutions products are proudly made in the U.S.A.
This matters more than ever in 2025. Domestic manufacturing means:
No import tariffs on our goods
Shorter lead times and consistent quality
Stabilized pricing versus offshore-printed alternatives
Buyers sourcing from overseas suppliers may already be experiencing surprise tariff surcharges. By choosing RPI, you’re not only supporting American manufacturing—you’re shielding your business from international tariff risk.
What Commercial Print Buyers Need to Know
To manage the impact of tariffs and inflation on your print programs, consider:
Material & Process Adjustments
Switching to lighter paper stocks, alternative coatings, or simplified finishing can maintain performance while reducing cost exposure.Print Run Optimization
Batching jobs or consolidating print orders helps dilute fixed costs and reduce per-unit pricing.Stable, Long-Term Contracts
Secure long-term pricing to mitigate risk over the next 12–24 months.
How RPI Helps Offset Tariff Pressure
As a U.S.-based commercial printer with deep industry expertise, RPI Graphic Data Solutions works directly with buyers to find strategic savings through:
Strategy
- Substrate recommendations
- Process innovation
- Local production
- Custom quoting
Benefit
- Lower raw material costs without sacrificing quality
- Reduced labor, finishing, and handling costs
- Avoidance of international tariffs and freight hikes
- Project-specific pricing guidance tied to current market conditions
Time to Connect With Your RPI Sales Rep
Let’s identify cost savings together. Your dedicated RPI sales rep can:
Review your upcoming jobs for tariff risk
Recommend U.S.-sourced substrate alternatives
Create pricing forecasts tailored to your Q3/Q4 budgets
Partner with you on proactive strategies to control costs in 2025 and beyond
Buy American. Print Smart.
Now more than ever, buying American-made printing products protects your bottom line. RPI’s U.S.-based manufacturing means no surprise surcharges, no global supply chain headaches, and no customs-related delays.
Whether you’re producing catalogs, labels, in-store signage, or packaging—we’re here to help you print smarter, more efficiently, and with confidence in today’s tariff-heavy economy.
Ready for a Tariff Strategy Session?
Contact your RPI Graphic Data Solutions rep today to schedule a no-obligation Tariff Impact Review.