Resources to Help Members Navigate Tariffs and Global Sourcing
Tariffs have caused uncertainty for International Housewares Association (IHA) member companies and their business plans. IHA is monitoring the situation and is working to educate members as details evolve.
IHA and its Washington D.C.-based government affairs office are working to bring insight and resources to the industry. Below is a list of efforts and resources to support members.
IHA Tariff Update: Part 3 — Proven Tariff Mitigation Strategies
Wednesday, May 14 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM (CDT)
The International Housewares Association continues its series of free webinar updates providing home and housewares suppliers and retailers with information and insights to help navigate tariffs. In this practical session, business advisor and housewares industry veteran Luke Peters will walk through strategies importers are using right now to reduce tariff exposure and protect margins.
Attendees will learn:
- How the First Sale Rule can slash duty costs
- When unbundling makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
- Why DDP might be your fastest savings lever
- What buyers are doing now to survive 100%+ tariff rates
Peters brings 20 years of hands-on experience with global supply chains, tariffs and product distribution as the founder of appliance supplier NewAir, which he sold to private equity in 2021. Peters now advises founder-led businesses on how to scale profitably and optimize their value.
Education
Free Webinars
Receive the latest updates on the tariffs directly from industry experts through the following webinars:
- March 27 – Tariff Update from Washington D.C.
- April 23 – Tariff Update: Part 2, Answering the Key Questions
- May 14 – Tariff Update: Part 3, Proven Tariff Mitigation Strategies
Future webinars will be listed when available.
Bonded Warehouses
Using a bonded warehouse to store imported goods delays the payment of customs duties. Duties are deferred until the products are taken out of the warehouse. Learn more about benefits and access lists of Bonded Warehouses in the U.S. and Canada.
Locating U.S. Manufacturers
Using a manufacturer located in the U.S. can eliminate tariff and ocean freight costs. Click to access an example list of injection molding companies and a list of manufacturer directories.
Resources
IHA has partnered with Quickcode, a unique trade compliance tool with explainable AI, that brings all the legal sources for classifications to a single pane. IHA members receive a discounted rate on the tool, which helps companies calculate specific tariffs.
A free trial is available here, or members can receive the discount by contacting Jessie DesRochers.
IHA works closely with freight logistics provider, TQL Global. TQL provides a substantial menu of logistics services and has a knowledgeable and experienced brokerage team focused on tariff issues.
For more information visit TQL’s website or contact customsconsulting@tqlglobal.com.
Reed Smith provides commentary and analysis by Reed Smith lawyers on the latest developments in trade, sanctions and export controls.
For more information, visit the Reed Smith website.
Global Business Alliance’s (GBA) Tariff Tracker helps navigate the numerous tariff developments.
For more information, visit the GBA website.
Action
Sourcing Trade Missions
Join IHA on a Sourcing Trade Mission to find factories and products to help diversify your supply chain. IHA will be leading a mission to India in October. Contact Lori Szudarek to express interest in participating. Additional information including dates, itinerary and costs will be made available in the near future.
Advocacy
VoterVoice Platform
IHA created a web page for U.S. housewares suppliers to reach congressional representatives about tariff concerns using the VoterVoice platform. The portal offers a streamlined system where companies can easily direct concerns to their elected representatives using a letter prepared by IHA.
Taking action is simple and quick. Click on this link to be directed to a website that will connect you with your legislators and prepare an e-mail to their offices.
IHA’s Blog features articles to educate and inform the housewares industry about key strategic issues and IHA member services; many of the stories are sourced from IHA’s Government Affairs team and help members stay on top of current legal and technology issues.
Coalitions
Americans for Free Trade is a coalition that IHA has been a member of since its inception during the first Trump administration. The coalition is led by the National Retail Foundation (NRF) and has approximately 100 trade association members.
The NRF has also created CASE – Coalition for an Affordable & Secure Economy for America, which IHA is exploring.
