How the New U.S. Tariffs Could Affect Small Businesses — And What We’re Doing to Help

Tariffs Are Rising — We're Here for Small Creators

In recent months, the U.S. government has announced a new round of tariffs targeting a broad range of Chinese imports. These additional duties, part of an ongoing strategy to protect domestic manufacturing and address trade imbalances, are expected to affect everything from electronics to raw materials. However, for many small business owners and independent creators in the U.S., these tariffs raise one key concern: how will this impact my supply chain and product costs?

At ZoArtix, we understand these concerns deeply. As a China-based manufacturer that works closely with global artists and small businesses, we want to clarify what these new tariffs mean for you and explain what we're doing to help minimize the impact.

1. Understanding the New U.S. Tariffs

In April 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump authorized an investigation into national security risks tied to the country’s reliance on imported critical minerals — such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth metals used in batteries. The White House also announced steep new tariffs on Chinese imports, now reaching up to 245%, citing China’s retaliatory actions and the need to secure U.S. supply chains.

While the full scope of the tariffs includes thousands of product lines, many of the custom goods we produce at ZoArtix — such as acrylic keychains, enamel pins, plush badges, and vinyl stickers — are generally not among the most heavily impacted categories. These are considered low-volume, niche goods or fall under custom/artistic product categories, which often escape higher duties.

That said, increased scrutiny and broader shipping challenges are still part of the picture.

2. Why Small Businesses Feel the Pressure First

Small brands, creators, and independent shop owners typically lack the resources of large corporations. They rely on timely production, affordable pricing, and steady logistics to keep their businesses running.

With tariffs in place, even a small increase in import costs or shipping delays can create challenges, especially for:

• Artists preparing for conventions and events

• Creators managing tight profit margins

• Startups launching Kickstarter campaigns

We recognize this pressure. You’re not a faceless buyer on a spreadsheet — you’re a creator with passion and purpose, and your work deserves to thrive.

3. How ZoArtix Is Helping Mitigate Tariff Impact

Our goal is to act as more than just a manufacturer. We're a creative partner, and we’re taking proactive steps to support our clients during this uncertain period.

Here’s how:

No Price Hikes We’re absorbing increased costs wherever possible. So far, we have not adjusted our base pricing on any products due to tariffs. We want to keep our products accessible and our partnerships strong.

Optimized Logistics We're working with trusted freight partners to navigate around potential disruptions, avoid unnecessary delays, and keep your shipments moving smoothly.

Flexible Orders Have a specific budget? Need to scale down quantities without sacrificing quality? Want to try different materials to stay within cost expectations? We're happy to provide flexible order solutions.

Transparent Communication If any changes arise that could affect your order or shipping time, we’ll let you know upfront. No surprises.

4. Why Custom Goods Are Still a Safe Bet

The products we make — from custom standees and tote bags to holographic stickers and photocard holders — are primarily small-batch, made-to-order items. They’re not mass-produced retail commodities.

That distinction matters.

Custom creative goods:

• Tend to have lower tariff classification risk

• Offer more pricing flexibility per unit

• Are less reliant on fluctuating raw material costs

So while the broader manufacturing sector may experience higher volatility, our custom production model remains stable and adaptable.

For artists and shop owners, this means you can still count on consistent quality, affordable pricing, and personal service.

5. We're In This Together

We know the world is constantly changing. Economic policy, global supply chains, and shipping landscapes shift quickly. But what doesn’t change is our commitment to helping creators succeed.

At ZoArtix, we believe that artists deserve manufacturing partners who understand their values, their challenges, and their creative dreams.

Whether you’re launching your first merch line, restocking fan-favorite items, or experimenting with new designs, we’re here to make that journey easier.

If you ever have concerns about pricing, shipping, or design options — especially during this tariff period — just send us a message. We’ll do everything we can to find a solution that works for you.

Final Thoughts

Tariffs may rise. Markets may shift. But creativity endures.

Let’s continue building something amazing together.

Have questions? Contact us at zoartix.com or 📬email us. We’re here to help — always.