Justin Cooper , 2025-04-24 05:00:00
April 24, 2025
2 min read
Key takeaways:
- Plastic eyeglass frames are tariffed at 155%, and contact lenses are at 154.5%.
- The impact on U.S. retail prices will depend on how companies absorb or pass on these costs.
The recent increase in tariffs on Chinese imports has resulted in tariffs as high as 178% on some optical products, which could significantly affect the cost of eyeglasses and other products, according to a Vision Council press release.
The 90-day pause on new “reciprocal” tariffs as high as 49%, announced by President Donald J. Trump on April 9, brought some “temporary relief and stability” to the optical industry. But China’s reciprocal duty rate of 145% remains in place and may complicate imports, according to the release.
The recent increase in tariffs on Chinese imports has resulted in tariffs as high as 178% on some optical products, which could significantly affect the cost of eyeglasses and other items. Image: Adobe Stock
“The increase to a 145% reciprocal duty rate for China will undoubtedly hurt the optical industry,” Michael Vitale, vice president of membership, government relations and technical standards at The Vision Council, said in the release. “Many of our members source frames, lenses and components from Chinese manufacturers, and this change could lead to higher costs and disruptions in the supply chain.”
Still, the tariff situation remains in flux. The Wall Street Journal reported on April 23 that the Trump administration is considering cutting the tariffs on Chinese imports by more than half in some cases, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
The current tariff rate on plastic eyeglass frames from China, along with over-the-counter reading glasses, complete eyeglasses, safety glasses and goggles, now totals about 155%, according to The Vision Council. This includes a new 125% tariff on top of existing tariffs. Non-plastic frames are tariffed at 152.5%.
Other product categories facing increased tariffs out of China include contact lenses (154.5%), sunglasses (154.5%) and eyeglass cases made of leather or composition leather, other than reptile leather (178%), according to The Vision Council.
The overall impact on U.S. retail prices “will depend on how companies choose to absorb or pass on these costs, as well as ongoing trade negotiations,” Alysse Henkel, vice president of research and inSights at The Vision Council, told Healio.
“Lower-income consumers, who are already the most cost-sensitive, may continue to trade down — delaying purchases or opting for lower priced options,” she said. “Middle-income shoppers might shift toward more value-driven choices or maximize vision insurance benefits. Even higher-income consumers, while less price-sensitive, may become more selective if price increases are significant. The Vision Council remains committed to closely monitoring these developments and supporting members through what could be a turbulent period for the industry.”
The Vision Council stated in the release that one of its “key objectives” is the creation of a process allowing U.S. optical companies to petition for an exemption for relief from the tariffs.
“As trade negotiations continue, we are actively working to provide guidance and advocate for policies that support the continued growth and stability of the optical industry,” Vitale said.
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For more information:
The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program can be reached at research@thevisioncouncil.org.
