Christian Publishers Relieved as Bibles Avoid Trump Tariffs
Christian publishers received reassuring news after weeks of uncertainty. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Bibles and other religious books are exempt from both reciprocal tariffs and China-specific tariffs initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration. Although initially unclear, CBP clarified that religious literature would not be subject to the new fees, calming fears across the publishing industry.
China’s Dominance in Bible Printing Sparks Concern
Christian publishers had significant reasons to worry. China has long been the world leader in Bible printing, producing over 75 percent of new Bibles globally. Amity Printing Company alone printed 17 million copies in the last year and has distributed Bibles in 229 languages over its 37-year history. Relocating Bible production would result in increased costs, prolonged quality testing, and potential delays, thereby complicating the mission to keep Bibles affordable and accessible.
High Demand Heightens Industry Anxiety
The tariff threat came at a particularly sensitive time. Bible sales increased by 20 percent overall last year, with some publishers reporting a 30 percent growth. HarperCollins Christian Publishing and others sprang into action when the tariffs were first announced. Leaders like Mark Schoenwald of HarperCollins and spokespersons from Tyndale House and Lifeway Christian Resources voiced concerns about the prolonged uncertainty and the potential disruption to supply chains.
Lingering Worries About Economic Instability
Despite the exclusion of religious books from tariffs, the publishing sector remains wary. Legal experts, such as Stephen Kho, criticized the Trump administration’s erratic trade policy process, pointing to mixed signals and unclear decision-making structures. This ongoing unpredictability keeps publishers cautious about future shifts in tariff enforcement or broader trade relations with China.
Paper Tariffs Also Raise Red Flags
Beyond book tariffs, potential tariffs on paper products also worried publishers. Trump’s executive order on wood-related goods raised concerns about rising printing costs. However, CBP assured publishers that no Section 232 tariffs targeting religious books were currently in effect. Still, vigilance remains necessary as trade negotiations with China continue.
Source:
In Trump’s Trade War, Bibles Are Safe for Now
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