For many years, China was the center of global printing and packaging production.
However, ongoing U.S. trade tariffs have made it increasingly expensive — and unpredictable — to manufacture certain printed goods in China.
While books remain largely tariff-exempt, many related products such as packaging, stationery, calendars, and games are now facing significant cost increases, creating a strong push for brands to diversify production to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian markets.
This article explains how tariffs affect print production and why Vietnam has become one of the most strategic manufacturing bases for the future.
Understanding the Tariff Landscape
The U.S. government has introduced a series of import tariffs over recent years, many of which continue to apply to Chinese-made print and packaging products.
Here’s a simplified overview of how these tariffs impact different categories of printed goods:
| Product Type | Country of Origin | Approximate Tariff Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Books (Chapter 49) | China | 7.5% (Section 301) |
| Vietnam / Others | 0% (books remain exempt) | |
| Calendars (Annex III) | China | 37.5% (30% + 7.5%) |
| Other countries | 10% | |
| Stationery & Packaging (Chapter 48) | China | 55% (30% IEEPA + 25% Section 301) |
| Vietnam | 20% | |
| Mexico | 0% (if made with regional materials) | |
| Games & Toys (Chapter 95) | China | 30% |
| Vietnam | 20% |
In short:
- Books remain mostly unaffected.
- Packaging, stationery, and games from China face the highest effective tariff rates — often 40–55%.
- Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries face much lower rates, typically between 15–20%.
How Tariffs Affect Print and Packaging Costs
For companies producing for the U.S. market, these tariffs can quickly erode profit margins.
A 55% tariff on packaging or stationery products means a shipment that once cost $100,000 could now cost more than $150,000 after import duties.
The impact goes beyond pricing:
- Order timing becomes unpredictable due to shifting tariff windows.
- Shipping costs rise as companies rush to move goods before new rates take effect.
- Production planning becomes more complex when projects depend on multiple tariff-sensitive materials.
For these reasons, global brands are now moving part of their production to Vietnam to stabilize costs and secure more predictable supply chains.
Why Vietnam Has Become the Smart Alternative
Vietnam’s manufacturing capabilities have developed rapidly over the last decade — especially in printing, packaging, and light manufacturing.
Many Chinese and international suppliers have already expanded their operations to Vietnam, creating a strong and reliable supply base.
Here are the main advantages that make Vietnam an ideal alternative for print production:
1. Lower Tariff Exposure
Vietnam benefits from multiple free trade agreements, such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP, which reduce or eliminate duties when exporting to major global markets.
2. Cost-Effective Production
While Vietnam is not the cheapest option, it remains more cost-stable than China, particularly for labor-intensive printing and packaging categories.
3. Reliable Manufacturing Base
Vietnam’s factories have invested in modern equipment, color management, and quality systems that meet international standards — suitable for export-grade book, packaging, and commercial printing.
4. Strategic Location
Vietnam’s proximity to southern China allows for easy cross-border coordination, quick access to materials, and shared logistics infrastructure.
5. Stable Trade Environment
Vietnam maintains strong diplomatic and trade relations with the U.S., EU, and Japan, giving exporters more confidence in long-term production planning.
How Sunny Industry Group Helps Brands Transition to Vietnam
At Sunny Industry Group, we recognized this shift early.
Since 2018, we’ve built a comprehensive print production network in Vietnam, supported by on-site technical teams and local quality control specialists.
We help international clients:
- Move existing print and packaging projects from China to Vietnam
- Evaluate cost, tariff, and lead time differences between both regions
- Source verified local suppliers with export experience
- Maintain consistent color and quality across dual production bases
- Ensure smooth communication and project management throughout production
Our goal is simple — to make your transition to Vietnam easy, transparent, and risk-free, while ensuring the same high quality your customers expect.
The Future of Print Manufacturing in Asia
As global supply chains evolve, brands that diversify early will benefit from greater flexibility and cost stability.
Vietnam is not replacing China — it’s complementing it, forming part of a smarter, more resilient regional strategy.
By leveraging both production bases, companies can reduce tariff exposure, shorten lead times, and future-proof their operations against policy or logistics risks.
Explore Your Options
Sunny Industry Group helps brands build stronger, more flexible supply chains across Asia.
If your products fall under tariff-affected categories — such as packaging, stationery, or games — our Vietnam team can help you assess production alternatives quickly and confidently.