For pharmaceutical companies, sourcing packaging has become more complex in recent years. Tariffs on imported materials and printed components are creating pricing pressure, disrupting long-term contracts, and forcing many buyers to rethink where and how they source their packaging. Whether you rely on overseas suppliers or work with a domestic partner who sources internationally, tariffs can affect the cost and availability of critical packaging components like folding cartons, blister packs, inserts, and corrugated shippers. Here’s how to understand the impact—and what you can do to stay ahead. Know What’s Being Taxed Not all pharmaceutical packaging is affected by tariffs in the same way. Many of the items commonly used in pharma packaging fall under categories that have been hit with tariffs in recent U.S.–China trade actions. These may include: Printed folding cartons and inserts Blister pack materials (including PVC and foil) Corrugated shipper boxes Labels and leaflets Some specialty coatings and substrates Tariff rates can vary, depending on the material, country of origin, and current trade policy. What seems like a small increase per unit can lead to massive cost increases at scale. Review Your Supplier’s Origin and Production Model Even if your supplier is based in the U.S., they may still source raw materials, substrates, or finished packaging components from tariff-impacted countries. It’s important to ask: Where is each component of my packaging produced? Does the supplier import printed materials or raw board? Are any secondary processes (like lamination or foil stamping) outsourced overseas? Understanding your true supply chain origin helps you identify where the tariff risks are—so you can plan ahead. Reevaluate Total Cost of Ownership Increased tariffs often eliminate the price advantage that used to come with overseas packaging. When you factor in: Tariffs Rising freight costs Port delays and longer lead times Quality control or communication issues You may find that domestic packaging suppliers are now more competitive on both cost and reliability. Talk to Your Packaging Supplier About Domestic Alternatives If you’re concerned about exposure to tariffs, a proactive supplier should be able to: Offer U.S.-made or NAFTA-friendly alternatives Suggest design or material changes to reduce cost impact Help consolidate SKUs or adjust specs to simplify sourcing Provide packaging that meets FDA labeling and compliance requirements domestically Shifting to U.S.-based production doesn’t always mean higher cost—it often brings improved supply chain visibility, faster lead times, and fewer surprises. Factor Tariffs Into Long-Term Strategy If you’re renegotiating contracts, launching new SKUs, or scaling production, factor tariff risk into your 12–24 month outlook. Ask your supplier: Can they lock in pricing or hold stock domestically? Do they have backup sourcing options if trade rules change again? Are they monitoring tariff changes and proactively communicating impacts? Being reactive to tariffs leads to missed margins and production delays. Building flexibility into your packaging strategy now can protect your product pipeline later. Final Thoughts Tariffs are no longer a temporary nuisance—they’re a permanent part of global sourcing. For pharmaceutical brands, that means understanding where your packaging is coming from, how trade policy affects it, and what options exist to reduce risk and cost. Looking for help minimizing tariff exposure on your pharmaceutical packaging?We can walk you through domestic solutions, supply chain planning, and structural design adjustments to keep your product protected and your packaging program compliant. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Medical Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Your packaging budget isn’t just about cost—it’s about timing, opportunity, and alignment with your business goals. Sticking with the same spend year after year might feel safe, but it could be holding back your growth, hurting efficiency, or wasting resources. Whether you’re overspending or under-investing, here are the moments that should prompt you to revisit your packaging strategy and budget. You’re Launching a New Product or SKU A new product deserves more than a recycled box layout. New sizes, audiences, or channels often call for a different structure, material, or finish. Why it matters:New SKUs are an opportunity to streamline, improve presentation, and rethink how much you’re really spending—and what that packaging is saying about your brand. You’re Expanding Into Retail Retail-ready packaging often has very different requirements than e-commerce or wholesale. Club stores, chains, and boutique retailers all expect shelf presence, compliance, and clean branding. Why it matters:Retail packaging might require a higher initial investment, but it must deliver on visibility, protection, and speed of setup—making your budget worth every cent. You’re Experiencing Increased Damage or Returns If your return rate is creeping up due to shipping damage, broken seals, or crushed boxes, it’s not just a fulfillment problem—it’s a packaging problem. Why it matters:Investing in stronger board grades, better inserts, or improved closures can reduce product loss, customer complaints, and return shipping costs—saving more in the long run. Your Shipping and Fulfillment Costs Are Rising Higher freight bills or warehouse inefficiencies are often tied to inefficient packaging: oversized boxes, time-consuming assembly, or mismatched pallets. Why it matters:This is the moment to reallocate budget toward structural redesign or automation-friendly packaging that reduces labor, materials, and dimensional weight. You’re Rebranding or Updating Product Presentation Visual upgrades require packaging that reflects your new identity. Fonts, color palettes, finishes, and unboxing elements all play a role in reinforcing your new look. Why it matters:A rebrand without packaging alignment creates disconnect. It’s worth reevaluating spend to ensure your packaging amplifies—not undercuts—your brand’s direction. You’re Scaling Fast Rapid growth often exposes flaws in outdated packaging systems. What worked at 1,000 units a month might break down—or blow out your budget—at 50,000. Why it matters:Scale brings leverage. You may need to spend more upfront for better design and automation, but the unit cost savings and operational gains are well worth it. Your Customer Expectations Have Changed Today’s buyers care about sustainability, ease of use, and presentation. If you’re receiving feedback about excess packaging, hard-to-open boxes, or lackluster branding—listen. Why it matters:Updating your packaging to meet expectations may cost more or less—but it’s worth reevaluating where your current spend is going and if it’s achieving the right impact. Final Thoughts A packaging budget isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about investing wisely based on where your business is going. When the moment is right, a budget shift can unlock better efficiency, stronger branding, and fewer downstream issues. Not sure if it’s time to revisit your budget?We’ll help you identify key triggers, analyze your packaging ROI, and guide you toward smarter, more strategic spend that supports your goals. Need help sourcing or designing your custom pouches?We’re here to walk you through every step—from material selection and printing to structural design and compliance. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts