Why Printing Costs Are on the Rise
In recent weeks, the printing and creative services industry has been facing a new wave of pricing pressure due to a sharp increase in import tariffs. While the policy behind the tariffs stems from broader efforts to rebalance global trade, the ripple effects are now hitting materials and products critical to printing, packaging, and promotional work.
What’s Causing the Surge?
Beginning in early April, a new round of tariffs was imposed on a broad range of imported goods, including raw materials like paper, aluminum, and ink—key staples in our industry. Some countries are now facing import tariffs of 10–50%, which has created volatility in supply chains and uncertainty in pricing.
Materials Affected in the Print World:
Paper & Pulp Products: Prices have surged up to 15% in some markets due to increased import duties and supply disruptions.
Aluminum (used in printing plates & signage): With tariffs in place, aluminum costs are up as much as 18% year-over-year.
Ink & Coatings: Specialized inks, particularly imported UV and eco-solvent types, have seen a 12–20% cost hike.
Packaging Materials: Corrugated board and packaging plastics are becoming more expensive, affecting custom print orders.
What This Means for Businesses
These increases impact more than just printers—they affect every business that relies on printed marketing materials, branded merchandise, signage, and packaging.
If you're ordering:
Flyers or brochures? Expect higher paper and ink costs.
Banners or signage? Materials like vinyl and aluminum are in flux.
Branded merch? Apparel and packaging costs are trending up due to international sourcing challenges.
How We're Responding
At Bleu Pig Creative, we're committed to delivering value and transparency. Here’s what we’re doing to help clients navigate these shifts:
Offering Local Alternatives: We're sourcing more materials domestically to reduce costs and turnaround times.
Bundling Projects: By consolidating print runs, we can optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
Clear Communication: We’re proactively updating clients on pricing changes and offering budget-conscious options without sacrificing quality.
Looking Ahead
While tariffs may continue to influence costs for the foreseeable future, adaptability is our best tool. We encourage clients to plan ahead for print campaigns, explore sustainable options, and connect with us early in the process for the best results.