The State of Plastic Injection Molding Tariffs in 2025

It’s been almost a year since dramatic tariffs sparked a trade war across the globe, with many ups and downs, and uncertainties fanning the flames of manufacturing. The impact of plastic injection molding tariffs has been no exception. Today, we’ll catch you up with the news, what it means for the future of US manufacturing, and what you need to do to protect yourself in the months and years to come.

What’s Happened with Tariffs Since January 2025?

We’ve covered this topic starting in February 2025, when the tariffs first started to blanket US trade, then in May 2025, as the US-China trade war really started to kick off.

• April 2025: The so-called “Liberation Day” saw reciprocal tariffs start on all countries not subject to other sanctions. A minimum 10% tariff on almost all US imports took effect on April 5. These tariffs would be off and on again for the rest of 2025.
• August 2025: The Department of Commerce announced the addition of 407 product categories to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products impacted by the 50% tariff, which included steel and aluminum molds.
• October 2025: On October 10, President Trump announced an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, starting November 1, in retaliation for China’s broadening of export controls on rare earths.

Recent Moves in the US Congress and the Supreme Court

So far, the administration has had free rein to administer tariffs, with court cases dragging along. But as both evidence and economic uncertainty grow, we are seeing movement at the highest levels of the other two branches of government. However, so far, these have done nothing to stop tariffs.

• In October 2025, the US Senate voted 51–47 to nullify Trump’s global “reciprocal” tariffs on more than 100 countries. However, this vote has been seen as symbolic as the House of Representatives would not take up the resolution.
• In November 2025, the US Supreme Court is reviewing Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), with the justices so far offering blistering rebukes to the executive office’s case.

Protecting Yourself from Injection Molding Tariffs

All these fluctuations in tariffs and the statements from the US administration do not paint a clear picture of the future of tariffs, but they do show a trend. We will likely continue to be in a trade war with China, and this will only impact injection molding manufacturing more, not less. You need to:

• Shorten Your Supply Chains: Due to the constantly changing tariffs and other trade war actions, it is vital to shorten your supply chains. Getting your tool relocated to start injection molding closer to home is easier than you think.
• Invest in US Manufacturing: While you may need to increase costs domestically, you can leverage these investments as strengths for your products. By avoiding the drawbacks of overseas manufacturing, the quality of your products can be enhanced to offset the costs.
• Protect Your Products: Now more than ever, your products will need to be made of high-quality, US-sourced plastics. This, combined with the strengths of US manufacturing and IP protection, will give you products that can better weather uncertain economic times.

At Midstate Mold, we possess the skills and capacity to reshore your current tools and make new ones, held to higher standards and quality. Between our mold making and maintenance and our US manufacturing of plastic parts, including specialty industries such as life sciences and medicine, we’re primed to help you make the transition. We’re ready to guide you through the process and supply you anywhere in the US. Contact us today to get started.