Impending US trade tariffs may upend optical industry stability

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With letters having recently been sent from the White House to several US trading partners about tariff increases set to take effect on August 1, The Vision Council has noted “significant implications for the optical industry’s international supply chains and bottom lines,” according to a news release.¹ CBS News has reported that President Donald J. Trump has warned 20 countries that import duties will be due and reciprocal tariffs will be in effect starting next month.²

Myanmar and Laos will be hit with a 40% tariff rate, with Thailand and Cambodia’s rate at 36%; Bangladesh and Serbia at 35%; Indonesia at 32%; South Africa, Bosnia, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, and Herzegovina at 30%; Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Brunei, Moldova, and Tunisia at 25%; and the Philippines at 20%.²

Although China will not be affected by the August 1 deadline, the country faces a separate tariff increase that has not been specified by the White House but has been reported to be upward of 55%. This increase is scheduled to go into effect on August 12, according to The Vision Council.¹

“These tariffs represent a direct challenge to the financial models and sourcing strategies of manufacturers, labs, distributors, and independent retailers in the optical space,” The Vision Council stated in the release. “With increased duties on components and finished goods, businesses will need to carefully reevaluate global sourcing strategies, pricing and margin structures, and inventory and logistics planning.

“Uncertainty also persists around how US Customs will enforce these measures and whether product-specific tariffs (eg, for metals or chemicals used in frames and lenses) will be adjusted accordingly.”

The White House has also stated that it will continue issuing notifications regarding changing duty rates to other US trade partners. Experts are expecting countries to continue to negotiate trade agreements with the US, but if these countries fail to reach trade deals before the August 1 and 12 deadlines and the US implemented no further changes, the increase retaliatory tariff rates will go into effect, according to the release.¹

The Vision Council will also continue to update the optical industry and provide guidance and resources for members. The organization currently provides tariff development updates, a tariff dashboard that simulates the financial impact of tariffs for different optical products, and other industry resources including country-specific duty explanations and webinar recordings.¹

References:

1. Significant tariff shifts announced: The Vision Council stands ready to support the optical industry. News release. The Vision Council. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/significant-tariff-shifts-announced-vision-council-stands-ready-support-optical-industry

2. Cerullo M. Trump threatens 20 countries with new tariffs by Aug 1. CBS News. Updated July 9, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-japan-korea-tariffs-august-1/