Trade wars sounds intense but how and when does this start to affect your swag orders. Whether it’s custom tote bags, drinkware, backpacks, or cozy hoodies, tariffs are probably the last thing on your mind. Those behind-the-scenes taxes on imported goods can seriously affect your merch plans.

Let’s break it down.

So, What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes on imported products. When the U.S. imposes them, often on goods from countries like China, importing those items gets more expensive. And guess what? That cost works its way down the chain… right to your swag order.

How Tariffs Impact Branded Merchandise

Here’s how those price bumps play out:

Higher Costs: Suppliers pass tariff-related expenses along, which means the same mug you ordered last year might cost more today.
Fewer Options: Some products become too pricey or difficult to source, so suppliers drop them entirely.
Slower Turnarounds: Manufacturers often shift production to avoid tariffs, leading to supply chain delays.

When Tariffs Start to Matter for Your Swag Orders

Tariffs don’t always show up right away but when they do, it’s often with little warning. If a tariff is announced today, suppliers may have to adjust pricing, sourcing, or lead times within weeks. So even if your current order isn’t impacted, your next one could be. This is especially true for businesses planning ahead for seasonal gifting, events, or large employee drops. That’s why staying flexible, and working with a partner who monitors these shifts can make all the difference.

What You Can Do About It

At Etched Atlanta, we’ve got your back. We monitor tariff trends and work with a diverse supplier network to keep your options open and your pricing steady.