Mexico tariffs: How they affect POD (2025)

Print on Demand and Mexico tariffs

So, how do these changes affect your print-on-demand business?

Printful’s global infrastructure and on-demand model give a strong advantage when dealing with international tariffs. But even so, there are important impacts and strategies you should be aware of.

1. Fulfillment costs may rise

Even if your products are printed in the US, the materials behind them – like blank apparel or components – might still be imported from Mexico. With the 25% tariff now in effect, that can lead to increased material costs, production expenses, and, in some cases, higher wholesale prices for certain products.

At Printful, we’re actively working to absorb these added costs where possible and to optimize routing behind the scenes to limit disruptions to your business.

The good news? We’re not raising prices due to tariffs at this time – and if that ever changes, you’ll get plenty of notice so you can plan ahead.

2. Not all products are affected

While some items may be impacted by the new tariffs, many of the products in our catalog are not. Thanks to Printful’s diverse supplier network, a large portion of our best-sellers are either sourced from unaffected regions or produced and shipped within the same country, which helps avoid cross-border tariffs altogether.

If you’re selling to US customers, we recommend prioritizing products fulfilled domestically. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep costs stable and margins protected.

3. Shipping times remain stable

While some companies are experiencing customs delays tied to non-tariff barriers – like stricter inspections, additional paperwork, or processing slowdowns – Printful’s logistics and customs teams are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Thanks to proactive monitoring and smart routing, we don’t expect any major shipping delays at this time. Your orders should continue to move as smoothly as ever.

4. Profit margins may be squeezed

If any of your products are impacted by tariffs, you might face a difficult pricing decision: absorb the added cost, which can eat into your margins, or raise your prices, which may affect customer demand.

We know these choices aren’t easy – especially for small companies. That’s why we’re focused on what we can control: streamlining our supply chain, negotiating with partners, and optimizing routing to help keep your costs – and income – as stable as possible.

5. Supply chain flexibility is your ally

With fulfillment centers across the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and more, Printful gives you the flexibility to stay responsive – no matter how trade conditions shift. You don’t need to figure out the logistics yourself – we automatically route orders through the most efficient option.

By fulfilling products closer to your customers, we help you:

• Minimize exposure to tariffs

• Cut down on long-distance shipping costs

• Keep delivery times fast and reliable

If you sell internationally, this regional model is one of the best ways to reduce tariff risks and keep your business running smoothly – even in a changing global landscape.