Tariffs Are Scaring Print Shops—Here’s How Web-to-Print Can Save You

New U.S. tariffs are making things tough. Since March 7, 2025, Canada and Mexico got hit with 25% tariffs, raising costs for paper and blank shirts. China’s tariffs went up to 20% on April 9, making inks and printer parts more expensive. Then, on April 5, a 10% tariff started on all imports, adding to the problem.

For you, this means paying more—like $50 extra per ton of Canadian paper or 20% more for Chinese vinyl. Customers aren’t buying as much either, with grocery bills up from Mexico tariffs.

A survey says 66% of print pros think costs will rise 10% or more in the next six months. With Canada planning $30 billion in payback tariffs and China already fighting back, no one knows what’s next. I’m in web-to-print, and I’ve noticed print shops are skeptical about making progressive business decisions. Let’s figure out why and how we can fix it.

These tariffs are a big deal. They started hard this year—25% on Canada and Mexico since March 4, then 20% on China a few days ago. Paper, blanks, inks—all cost more now. The 10% tariff on everything else just makes it worse. Small and medium print shops feel it most. You’re watching your budget, saving cash, and maybe avoiding new print automation tools like web-to-print.

That’s not on your mind when you’re worried about pricing a T-shirt job. It’s not just money—it’s the unknown. Canada might hit back with big tariffs, and China’s already started. Will shipping costs jump? You’re being careful, not lazy, and that’s okay.

No, there’s more. People aren’t spending like before. With groceries costing more, they’re skipping custom shirts or prints. Some shop owners say orders dropped 20-30% since last fall—not huge, but enough to make you nervous about spending on new stuff.

If you’ve been saving extra cash for months, you’re not eager to try new things. Web-to-print sounds nice—faster orders, more customers—but when you’re focused on paying bills, it’s hard to look ahead.

Do you have printers? Are those printers sitting idle?

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I get why you’re waiting, but doing nothing might hurt more. Tariffs aren’t going away—Trump’s sticking with them, and the economy’s too messy to fix fast. Web-to-print isn’t just another cost; it’s a way to stay strong.

When prices rise, saving time helps. The supplier catalog solution can help you integrate with U.S. blank product suppliers to avoid import costs, and sell online when walk-in orders slow. It lowers risk, not adds it. For example, DTF printing uses stuff from China—inks, powder, film.

With the 20% tariff, costs are up. Web-to-print lets you switch to U.S. blanks and focus on custom jobs that pay more. Same for screen printing or embroidery—Canada and Mexico blanks cost more, but an online store can find customers who’ll pay for quality.