Keeping up with ever-changing tariffs
By Omar Elkhatib, The Vision Council
April 23, 2025
In early April 2025, the Trump Administration enacted sweeping changes to U.S. trade policy, introducing a series of “reciprocal” tariffs that are already having a significant impact on the optical industry.
While a 90-day pause on these tariffs was granted to most countries, China was excluded, resulting in a sharp and immediate increase in the cost of Chinese-origin optical products.
A Rapidly Changing Landscape: Key Tariff Milestones
The current tariff environment is evolving quickly, with critical updates rolled out over just a few days.
Here’s a timeline of the major changes:
April 2, 2025:
- President Trump signed an Executive Order imposing global reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. imports.
- The Executive Order introduced a 10% starting April 5, with higher country-specific tariffs following on April 9 for countries listed in Annex 1.
April 5, 2025:
- The 10% reciprocal tariffs took effect for all imports, regardless of country of origin, and added on top of any existing tariffs.
April 9, 2025:
- A 90-day pause was announced for non-retaliating countries, lowering the reciprocal tariff rate back to 10%.
- China was excluded from this pause. In response to China’s retaliatory tariffs, the U.S. raised its reciprocal duty rate on Chinese imports to 125%.
April 10, 2025:
- The White House clarified that the total tariff on Chinese products is now 145%, accounting for the new 125% reciprocal tariff and an additional 20% imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) due to China’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking. This is in addition to any regular duty or China 301 duties that would be owed on the product.
May 2, 2025:
- The “de minimis” exemption, which allowed certain low-value imports to enter the United States duty-free from China and Hong Kong, has expired, effective May 2, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET. Goods from these areas that are valued at or under $800, previously eligible for the exemption, will now be subject to applicable duties and other fees.
What This Latest Change on Tariffs Means for Eye Care Providers
Independent practices and small businesses that rely on Chinese manufacturing for frames, lenses or accessories are now facing substantial cost increases.
Here’s a breakdown of how these tariffs are hitting some of the most common optical products made in China, based on The Vision Council’s analysis of U.S. International Trade Commission data:
- Plastic eyeglass frames: 155% total tariff – 72% of plastic frames and mountings were imported from China in 2024.
- Over-the-counter reading glasses, complete eyeglasses, safety glasses and goggles: 155% total tariff – 60% of these products were imported from China in 2024.
- Sunglasses:5% total tariff – 89% of sunglasses were imported from China in 2024.
- Various optical accessories and equipment, including eyeglass cases, lens processing systems and optical manufacturing machinery: between 170% and 190% total tariff.
These new rates represent significant increases to the previous duties.
This example shows how the new duties will increase costs for importers, based on a hypothetical import of 1,000 units at an average dutiable value of $10. In this scenario, plastic frames today will cost 1450% more to import, compared to 2024.
Source: The Vision Council
In a recent industry survey from The Vision Council, 50% of eyecare providers said they expect tariffs to drive up the prices of eyewear, materials and supplies. Inflation is another concern—35% of providers said they anticipate inflation will have a “severe” or “extreme” impact on their practice in 2025. These pressures paint a challenging financial picture for the year ahead.
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The Real-World Impact on Practices of Tariffs
If not already, the consequences of these tariffs will soon be felt as they begin to take shape. Eyecare providers should be prepared for a variety of scenarios that may impact normal business operations, including:
- Rising product costs: Practices likely will pay significantly more for inventory, which may force tough decisions around pricing or profit margins.
- Supply chain disruption: Practices dependent on Chinese manufacturing could see delays, shortages or need to quickly shift to new suppliers. Sourcing goods outside of China may provide temporary reprieve during the 90-day pause, but future tariffs remain possible.
- Increased pricing pressure: Independent practices may feel the pinch more than large retailers, with limited bulk purchasing power or leverage to negotiate better terms.
- Reduced product variety: Some offices may trim their eyewear offerings to manage overhead, which can affect patient satisfaction.
- Delayed investments: Practices may hold off on purchasing new equipment, upgrading technology or hiring due to financial uncertainty.
How Practices Can Stay Ahead of Impact of Tariffs
The trade environment is shifting week to week, and these tariffs are part of a broader, evolving U.S. strategy. Staying informed and proactive is essential for making sound inventory and pricing decisions.
Eyecare providers who import eyewear, optical accessories or supplies for their practices should start reviewing their supply chain and initiate conversations with their vendors to better understand exactly where their frames, lenses and other products are being sourced. This insight can help anticipate cost increases and explore alternative options if necessary.
Industry resources, like the tariff developments page on The Vision Council’s website provides the latest tariff news impacting the optical industry and a variety of resources to stay informed. For members of The Vision Council, this tariff dashboard can help practices estimate the financial impact of the new tariffs and make informed pricing adjustments.
If raising prices becomes necessary, communicating openly with patients about the reasons, especially the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions, can help maintain trust and transparency.
Industry Support to Offset Potential Negative Impact of Tariffs
The Vision Council is actively working to support eyecare providers and the industry during this time. The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs team is in discussions with congressional leaders and key committees that influence the United States Trade Representative to push for the creation of an exemption process that would allow affected U.S. companies to formally petition for relief from tariffs on eyewear and optical products.
With tariffs on Chinese imports now exceeding 150%, the optical industry is facing a period of uncertainty. The 90-day pause offers some breathing room for non-Chinese imports, but the dramatic increases on Chinese products will continue to ripple through supply chains, impacting costs, offerings and patients’ access to care.
How businesses adapt to this new normal will define the next chapter for eye care in America.
Read earlier reporting by Omar Elkhatib on tariffs
Omar Elkhatib is senior manager, Government Relations, for The Vision Council. He leads the association’s advocacy to state and federal policymakers on issues of importance to the optical industry and members. To contact him: oelkhatib@thevisioncouncil.org
