Tariffs & Your Supplements: What You Need to Know Now
The recent tariffs have created a major shakeup for those of us in the supplement industry. While we've caught a break with some key ingredients being exempted, the overall impact of these trade policies is complex and demands a closer look.
The Good News: Key Exemptions Won
On April 2, 2025, the US government announced a 10% global tariff with higher targeted hits on specific countries. The silver lining? Several critical dietary ingredients made the exemption list:
Essential vitamins (A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E)
Folic acid (B9)
Niacin and niacinamide (B3)
CoQ10
Various amino acids and minerals
Fatty acids including fish oil
This is a solid win after intense industry lobbying. Daniel Fabricant from the Natural Products Association called these exclusions "very reassuring," following direct consultations with administration officials. Loren Israelsen at the United Natural Products Alliance confirmed this positive development, noting we'd "repeatedly asked the administration and Congress to treat nutrients as a special class of goods."
The Reality Check: Major Challenges Ahead
Despite these exemptions, we're facing serious uncertainty. The 25% tariffs hitting Canadian and Mexican goods, plus the 10% on Chinese products, have put everyone on high alert. With heavy reliance on Chinese suppliers, the supplement industry is bracing for disruptions and cost increases across the board.
The lack of clear details makes planning difficult. As industry analyst Hank Schultz pointed out, these sweeping tariffs make specific outcomes hard to predict.
The bottom line: increased material costs will likely mean higher prices and potential reformulations of your favorite products.
Price Volatility Already Hitting Key Ingredients
We're already seeing price fluctuations in important ingredients:
Creatine monohydrate powder prices are bouncing around
Carnitine series showing sustained high prices with gradual increases expected
B vitamins (B2, B6, B12) experiencing significant price hikes
Strategic Moves to Protect Your Supplements
Companies across the industry are pivoting to address these challenges:
Diversifying supply chains away from heavily tariffed countries
Exploring domestic sourcing options (despite higher costs)
Engaging aggressively with policymakers to fight for more exemptions
While the exemptions provide some breathing room, we must navigate this new reality strategically. For supplement companies and consumers alike, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial to maintaining access to quality products without breaking the bank.
These tariffs will impact your supplements. Stay vigilant about price changes and be prepared to make strategic adjustments to your supplement regimen if necessary.