U.S.-China Tariff Rollback 2025: What Notebook Buyers Must Know Now
- Leo Xia
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
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According to BBC NEWs, on May 12, 2025, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day tariff rollback—temporarily easing one of the biggest cost pressures notebook buyers have faced in years. Duties on Chinese paper goods dropped from an average of 145% to just 30%, giving buyers a rare window of relief. But here’s the catch: this rollback is temporary, and pre-2025 tariffs from the Trump era still apply to many product categories.
So what does this mean for custom notebook sourcing? Should you rush orders from China, shift to Southeast Asia, or diversify your supplier base now?
This blog breaks down the key implications for buyers, including:
📉 Cost-saving opportunities from short-term tariff reductions
🚨 Ongoing compliance risks and customs unpredictability
🌏 The rise of Cambodia and Southeast Asia as stable sourcing alternatives
🏭 How Lion Paper’s multi-country production model helps you stay flexible and competitive
Let’s help you turn this tariff shift into a sourcing advantage.
What Changed in tariff in May 2025?
In a surprising yet strategic move, the U.S. and China agreed on a 90-day tariff reprieve starting May 12, 2025. This deal slashed average duties on Chinese goods—including paper notebooks and stationery—from 145% to approximately 30%. In return, China reduced its retaliatory tariffs to about 10%.
While this creates immediate cost savings, it's crucial to understand:
✅ The deal is temporary.
✅ The rollback does not erase pre-2025 Trump-era tariffs on many categories.
✅ The policy can be revoked anytime if negotiations stall.
How Does It Affect Notebook Buyers?
If you’re sourcing notebooks from China, the rollback gives you a short-term margin boost—but it doesn’t guarantee long-term savings or supply chain stability.
Here’s what’s at stake:
💰 Fluctuating landed costs could impact your pricing model.
📦 Delayed shipments from sudden policy reversals may affect launch timelines.
❗Over-reliance on China increases exposure to political risks.
That’s why smart notebook buyers are balancing China sourcing with Southeast Asian production options—like Cambodia.
Cambodia: A Rising Power in Paper Goods Manufacturing
Lion Paper opened its Cambodia factory in late 2024, precisely to help our partners mitigate risks. Here's why buyers are making the switch:
Cambodia Advantage | Benefit for Buyers |
Young, cost-effective workforce | 10–15% lower labor cost than China |
Duty-free to UK, EU, South Korea | Thanks to DCTS, EBA trade agreements |
Dual-mode logistics (air + sea) | Faster delivery and customs clearance |
Transparent audits & AQL 2.5 | Better compliance, reduced returns |
In uncertain trade environments, diversifying your supply base isn’t optional—it’s strategic.
Why Diversification is a Long-Term Solution
Even with the rollback, experienced buyers are asking:
Can my notebook supplier pivot if tariffs return overnight?
Do they have the audit-ready credentials to pass U.S. and EU compliance?
Can they handle 2025’s tighter shipping and import regulations?
At Lion Paper, we’ve prepared for this moment for a long time. With factories in China, Cambodia, and South Korea, we help clients:
Switch production quickly between countries
Balance cost, speed, and compliance
Maintain supply chain resilience in an unpredictable world
Final Thoughts: Turn This Reprieve Into a Strategic Move
This 90-day tariff rollback is a window of opportunity—but not a solution. Now is the time to:
Review your sourcing strategy
Explore cost-stable alternatives
Build flexibility into your 2025 production plans
🔍 Want to talk sourcing strategy before tariffs snap back?👉 Let’s talk – contact Lion Paper today
We’ll help you plan smarter, source better, and stay ahead—no matter what the next trade deal looks like.
—Leo Xia, CEO, Lion Paper Products
FAQs:
Q1: Does the U.S.–China tariff rollback mean notebooks from China are now duty-free?
A: No. The rollback is temporary and only reduces average tariffs to around 30%. It does not remove Trump-era tariffs, which still apply to many categories.
Q2: Is it safe to rely solely on Chinese notebook suppliers in 2025?
A: Not entirely. While tariffs are lower now, the political situation remains uncertain. We recommend diversifying with alternative production bases like Cambodia or South Korea.
Q3: What are the main benefits of sourcing notebooks from Cambodia?
A: Lower labor costs (10–15% below coastal China), duty-free access to EU and UK, flexible lead times, and a more stable compliance environment.
Q4: How do you guarantee Southeast‑Asia quality equals China?
Full BSCI/SMETA audit reports.
Ten QC inspectors wear body cams—every operation is traceable.
Third‑party CPSIA/Prop 65/REACH tests.
Skilled worker training for production.
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer? Reach out to Lion Paper for a free quote and consultation. Let’s collaborate on creating custom writing paper products that will set your brand apart from the competition.
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