As budgets tighten in 2026, packaging buyers are under pressure to reduce costs without increasing damage rates. Cutting too aggressively can lead to product loss, higher return rates, and frustrated customers. The key is balancing material use, box design, and supply chain efficiency so that savings do not come at the expense of protection. Where Packaging Costs Add Up Oversized boxes: Drive dimensional weight charges. Excess materials: Overuse of void fill and inserts. Complex SKU mix: Redundant sizes increase inventory costs. Inefficient freight: Poor palletization and stacking. Cost-Saving Strategies That Maintain Protection Right-sizing: Match box size to product dimensions to cut DIM charges and material use. Optimize corrugated grades: Switch to single- or double-wall where appropriate without compromising strength. Consolidate SKUs: Streamline packaging options to reduce inventory overhead. Efficient inserts: Replace foam or excess dunnage with engineered corrugated or molded pulp. Supplier contracts: Negotiate based on annual volumes, not just peak season orders. Testing Before Implementing Changes Use ASTM and ISTA protocols to ensure changes won’t increase product damage. Test for compression, vibration, and drop resistance. Run pilot shipments before scaling across the supply chain. Balancing Sustainability and Cost Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean expensive: Use recyclable coatings to reduce plastic films. Choose corrugated designs that require less material while maintaining stacking strength. Highlight sustainable solutions in marketing to offset cost concerns. Packaging Solutions with Brown Packaging Brown Packaging helps companies lower costs while protecting products across the supply chain. From SKU rationalization to right-sized corrugated solutions, our team ensures packaging savings don’t compromise performance. Contact us to optimize your packaging program. References Soroka, W. (2009). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (4th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.ASTM International. (2023). ASTM D4169: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.Sustainable Packaging Coalition. (2023). Packaging Efficiency and Waste Reduction Report. Retrieved from https://sustainablepackaging.org (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

Many U.S. businesses currently sourcing packaging from China are facing a harsh reality: tariffs and trade volatility can quickly erode margins and disrupt supply chains. By shifting toward U.S.-based packaging suppliers, you can reduce exposure to trade risk, stabilize costs, and gain faster lead times. The Tariff Reality for Packaging Importers Chinese imports of packaging materials, like corrugated boxes and folding cartons, are often subject to Section 301 tariffs and additional duties. The U.S. government has moved to end the de minimis exemption for low-value Chinese parcels, meaning even small packaging imports can now attract duties. Tariffs can be stacked — base duties plus special surcharges — pushing total duty rates in some cases. These shifting policies mean that what looks cheap today may suddenly double in cost tomorrow. Risks Facing Packaging Buyers Using China Suppliers Margin erosion — sudden tariff spikes eat into profits. Unpredictable costs — makes quoting and budgeting harder. Supply disruption — export bans, customs delays, or regulatory changes. Quality and compliance issues — harder to enforce U.S. standards on distant suppliers. Inventory risk — overstocking to hedge risk increases holding costs. Why U.S. Suppliers Are Attractive Right Now Tariff immunity — sourcing domestically removes exposure to Chinese import duties. Shorter lead times — faster production and shipping. Better oversight — easier quality control, regulatory compliance, and audits. Supply chain resilience — less dependence on global political events. Total landed cost transparency — fewer hidden risk factors. How Buyers Should Transition Map current China-sourced SKUs — know your exposure by product. Run landed cost comparisons — include materials, freight, tariffs, and inventory costs. Pilot with U.S. suppliers — start small to test quality, logistics, and price. Negotiate transition contracts — volume guarantees or phased ramps to smooth pricing. Communicate with stakeholders — show finance, operations, and sales how stability is improved. Maintain supply diversity — don’t drop all China sourcing immediately — keep backup paths. Key Design & Sourcing Guidelines Favor modular box sizes that U.S. suppliers can replicate easily. Avoid overly custom features that Asian factories might have specialized tooling for. Ensure all designs adhere to U.S. ISTA / ASTM testing standards. Specify U.S.-friendly materials (domestic linerboard, recycled content) to reduce import dependencies. Why It Matters for Buyers Tariff exposure isn’t a temporary issue — it’s a long-term challenge that directly impacts margins and predictability. Businesses that act early to localize packaging supply chains will be better positioned to manage cost, quality, and delivery reliability. Brown Packaging partners with U.S. manufacturers and distributors to provide stable, tariff-free packaging solutions. From corrugated boxes to custom-printed cartons, our domestic network helps buyers eliminate trade-related risk and maintain consistent supply.Contact us to explore cost-stable alternatives to imported packaging. References SpeccP. “Tariffs’ effect on packaging.” Spectrum Custom Packaging EcoEnclose. “Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Your Packaging.” EcoEnclose Packaging Dive. “5 questions about tariff impacts on packaging.” Packaging Dive Avalara. “How to handle US-China tariffs and the end of de minimis.” Avalara Creative Retail Packaging. “Trump Tariffs: Tracking the Impacts on the Packaging Industry.” creativeretailpackaging.com (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