The White House has issued formal notice that updated reciprocal tariffs for key trade partners will go into effect beginning August 7, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, ending a temporary pause in enforcement first signaled in April 2025. These new measures pose a substantial challenge to the global sourcing, pricing and logistics strategies of businesses across the optical industry.
As the leading advocate and resource for the vision community, The Vision Council is closely monitoring these developments and is committed to providing timely, actionable insights to support members navigating this evolving trade environment.
New Reciprocal Tariff Rates
The new reciprocal tariff rates outlined in the Executive Order, vary by country, ranging from 15 percent to 41 percent on imports. Countries not listed will incur a 10 percent reciprocal tariff.
China, currently the largest exporter of frames, lenses and eyewear accessories to the United States, remains subject to a reciprocal tariff rate of 10 percent, and faces a separate tariff adjustment scheduled for August 12, pending the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
Below are some of the updated rates by country:
- European Union: 15 percent, varied depending on the existing regular tariff rate associated with a product
- Japan: 15 percent
- Vietnam: 20 percent
- Taiwan: 20 percent
- India: 25 percent
- Brazil: 10 percent reciprocal, plus a 40 percent retaliatory tariff
Other Tariff Updates
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Tariffs*:
- Mexico: 25 percent, negotiated a 90-day extension of status quo
- Canada: 35 percent, in effect August 1
*In most cases, goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) remain tariff-free
- De minimis: The de minimis shipment process which allowed duty-free imports for shipments of $800 or less is scheduled to end on August 29, 2025.
Members of The Vision Council can access a list of country-specific tariff rates and tariff simulation tools here.
For more details on the broad impacts on the optical supply chain and The Vision Council’s commitment to industry support, click here.
