In Focus: US tariffs hit optical sector

The tariff wars cooled down on April 9 when President Trump set a 90-day pause on all non-retaliating countries, imposing a blanket global ‘reciprocal’ tariff of 10% until negotiations end, with the exception of China, which faced a steep combined tariff rate of approximately 145%, and Mexico and Canada that have 25% US import tariffs.  

As optical businesses battle to adapt to the constantly changing economic climate, many are expecting impacts, but how big will the hits be? 

The Vision Council reported that, despite the suspension bringing ‘temporary relief and stability’ to the optical industry, optical products imported from China still have significantly elevated tariffs, creating substantial cost implications for US importers. Plastic frames are said to be among the most heavily impacted at approximately 155%, as well as over-the-counter reading glasses, complete eyeglasses, safety glasses, and goggles – while contact lenses and sunglasses carry a slightly lower rate of 154.5%.