Trump‑Era Tariffs Leave Bibles Exempt — But Concerns Linger in Publishing Sector

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 31, 2025

Despite sweeping trade measures introduced this spring under President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff initiative, Bibles and other religious books remain formally exempt — a relief to Christian publishers even as broader economic uncertainty continues to cloud the industry.

In early April 2025, Trump declared a national emergency and signed Executive Order 14257, imposing a baseline 10% tariff on most imports. Higher duties were targeted at 57 major trade partners, including China, pushing effective rates on Chinese goods up to 54%, and later as high as 145% following further escalation.

Customs and Border Protection confirmed that “Bibles, testaments, prayer books and other religious books” are explicitly excluded from these reciprocal and China‑specific tariffs. This exemption echoes earlier policy: in Trump’s first term, religious texts were protected during prior tariff rounds.

But industry leaders caution that these exemptions do not fully remove risk. Publishers remain vulnerable to other cost pressures: lingering 7.5% Section 301 tariffs on non‑exempt books printed in China remain in force, raising concerns about affordability and supply.

China remains the dominant global hub for Bible printing—accounting for roughly 75% of new copies produced. Amity Printing Company alone published 17 million Bibles last year and distributes in over 229 languages. Christian publishers such as HarperCollins, Tyndale House and Lifeway Christian Resources voiced alarm early on as uncertainty over tariffs mounted. They argued that relocating production stateside would drive up costs, slow delivery, and increase the already high burden of quality testing.

CBP stressed that while religious books are safe, tariffs introduced under other statutes—most notably those addressing fentanyl and synthetic opioids—had initially failed to specify exclusions for Bible categories. That ambiguity prompted a flurry of clarifications. Ultimately, religious titles were confirmed exempt but the process heightened anxiety across the industry.

Legal challenges filed by small importers and several states, including the consolidated case V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States, contested the legality of executive‑based tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In May 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump’s tariff orders exceeded that authority, permanently enjoining enforcement. The administration appealed, and the injunction remains stayed pending a Federal Circuit hearing set for July 31, 2025.

Beyond books, publishers remain alert to possible tariffs on paper, pulp or ink. Some paper-related products are under review for regulatory tariffs under Section 232. Any resulting levies could reverberate through publishing costs even if books remain exempt.

Overall, while the exemption removes an immediate barrier, the broader trade environment remains uncertain. High baseline tariffs, ongoing legal wrangling, and material‑input risks continue to fuel unease. For now, religious publishers count themselves fortunate—but they say less dramatic shifts or future policy moves could yet unsettle supply chains and affordability.

Sources:

1. Faith on View — “Religious books spared in Trump’s escalating tariff war with China” (2025‑04‑28)

2. Christianity Today — “In Trump’s Trade War, Bibles Are Safe for Now” (2025‑04‑24)

3. Wikipedia / “Liberation Day tariffs” and “Tariffs in the second Trump administration” (2025‑04/05‑2025)

4. Wikipedia / “China–United States trade war” (2025‑03‑April)

5. Wikipedia / “V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. United States” (2025‑05‑28)