Are Trump’s new tariffs going to raise your book printing costs? Here’s what self-publishing authors around the world need to know about how Trump-era and future US tariffs impact indie authors and book printing. Learn about current exemptions for books, global risks for self-publishers, and ALLi's advice for protecting your publishing business.
As everyone by now knows, the US Trump Administration has imposed a range of tariffs on different countries and goods and indie authors around the world are wondering: Will new US tariffs affect my book printing, sales, and international publishing?
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) has received a growing number of queries on this issue, and while the immediate news is reassuring, there are still important factors to watch. Here’s what you need to know.
Risks for Indie Authors and Publishers
Although books have so far been spared, the situation remains volatile. Tariffs can be imposed—or lifted—with little warning, and self-publishers who rely on international printing and distribution must remain agile. Particularly at risk are:
- Authors who print in or import from China
- Publishers using global print-on-demand platforms like IngramSpark or BookVault
- Authors selling physical books to US readers from abroad
- Publishers relying on global paper and printing supply chains
Even minor changes in trade agreements or import classifications could shift the cost landscape significantly.
Books Are Exempt from New US Tariffs (So Far)
The most recent US tariffs were introduced under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). The law allows certain cultural and educational goods to be excluded—and books have been included among the exempted categories.
What’s currently excluded:
- Print books and “printed matter, NESOI” (Not Elsewhere Specified or Included)
- Children’s picture books, drawing books, and coloring books
- Religious books like Bibles and sacred texts
- Paper products considered compliant under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement)
These protections apply whether you’re a US-based author or publishing from abroad and shipping into the US
Earlier Tariffs Still Apply
Although books have escaped the latest rounds of tariffs, existing tariffs from the first Trump administration remain in force. In particular a 7.5% tariff still applies to books printed in China and as the trade war with China heats up, this is likely to rise. Paper, pulp, and ink are not currently targeted, but this could change. If you print your books via Chinese printers or use platforms that route through China, you’re likely still affected.
Related: How to Choose a Printing Partner for Your Self-Published Book
What Are the Risks for Self-Publishers in the US and Internationally?
The book trade might be protected for now, but independent authors and publishers should remain cautious. The key risks include:
- Increased printing costs due to rising tariffs on Chinese-printed books
- Shipping delays or duties for books sold into the US from abroad
- Potential future tariffs on publishing-related materials like ink or paper
- Disruption of global print-on-demand supply chains, for platforms like IngramSpark, BookVault, and KDP Print
Even if your current setup isn’t affected, trade policies can shift quickly—and often without much warning.If trade tensions escalate between the US and partners such as China, the EU, or other global regions, there’s a real possibility of retaliatory tariffs.
These might not target books directly, but could increase the cost of raw materials like paper or ink, affect logistics providers or printing equipment imports or slow down cross-border fulfilment.
Indie authors operating across markets should factor these possibilities into their future publishing and pricing strategies.
ALLi's Monitoring and Advocacy
The Alliance of Independent Authors continues to monitor tariff developments closely and advocates for the protection of books and creative works from punitive trade measures. Books are cultural goods with educational and societal value and should be treated as such in global policy.
While there is no immediate cause for alarm, ALLi encourages indie authors everywhere to stay informed, assess their supply chains, and prepare for potential changes. This may mean diversifying printing partners, exploring local options, or building more digital resilience through ebooks and audiobooks.
We will keep our members updated as the situation evolves. You can follow updates in our Member Forum and here on the blog.
What Indie Authors Should Do Now
- Audit your print supply chain—where are your books printed, and where are they shipped?
- Diversify your production—consider POD options in North America for US readers
- Stay informed—subscribe to ALLi’s updates and check reputable trade news sources
- Don’t forget other formats—ebooks and audiobooks are unaffected
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
