In April 2025, the U.S. government increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, intensifying the trade war between the two nations. While books have so far been exempt from new tariffs, existing tariffs from the first Trump administration remain in force, including a 7.5% tariff on books printed in China. This situation poses challenges for self-published authors who rely on Chinese printing services, as it may lead to increased production costs and higher prices for author copies.
Impact on Self-Published Authors
Authors who print their books in China through platforms like Alibaba may face increased costs due to these tariffs. Even if the cost of goods remains stable, the importer (often the author) is responsible for paying the tariffs, which can significantly raise the overall expense.
Alternatives: U.S.-Based Printing Services
To mitigate the impact of tariffs, authors might consider using domestic printing services. Here’s a comparison of several U.S.-based printers:
| Printer | B&W Price (per copy) | Color Price (per copy) | Binding Options | Notes |
| Silver Street Media | $0.035–$0.045/page | $0.07–$0.25/page | Paperback, Hardcover, Cloth, Coil | Transparent pricing; customizable options |
| Lulu | ~$14 | Higher than average | Case Wrap, Linen Wrap with Dust Jacket | No minimum order; good for single copies |
| BookBaby | ~$19 ($17 in bulk) | Higher than average | Adhesive Case Wrap, with/without Dust Jacket | Fast turnaround; bulk discounts available |
| PrintNinja | ~$15.60 (250 copies) | Varies | Various customizable hardcover options | Minimum order of 250; extensive customization |
| Gorham Printing | ~$8.36 (B&W) | ~$14.24 (Color) | Softcover, Hardcover, Spiral | Suitable for short runs; high-quality output |
| Amazon KDP | ~$2.15 (B&W) | ~$5.65 (Color) | Paperback only | Integrated with Amazon; print-on-demand |
Preparing for the Future
Authors should:
- Review their supply chains: Understand where and how their books are printed and the potential cost implications.
- Consider domestic printing options: Evaluate U.S.-based printers to avoid tariffs and potentially reduce shipping times.
- Stay informed: Monitor trade policies and tariffs that could affect production costs.
Conclusion
While the current tariffs present challenges, they also offer an opportunity for authors to reassess their printing strategies and explore domestic options. Staying informed and proactive can help mitigate financial impacts and ensure continued success in self-publishing.
Works Cited
- “Books Escape New Tariffs, At Least for Now.” Publishers Weekly, 2025.
- “How Trump’s Tariffs Affect Indie Authors and Self-Publishers.” SelfPublishingAdvice.org, 2025.
- “How Will Tariffs Affect Alibaba Sourcing?” Reddit, 2025.
- “The Book Business Prepares for Tariff Turmoil.” Publishers Weekly, 2025.
Note: This article is intended to provide general information. Authors should conduct their own research to make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances.
Let us know what printing press you use in the comments!
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