Buckle up, friends — the U.S. trade policy roller coaster has cranked its way to the top again, and it’s about to drop like your homie’s lighter between the couch cushions. If you're in the cannabis game and rely on China for your child-resistant packaging — glass jars, tins, pop-tops, paper tubes, compostable plastics — it’s time to get real about tariffs.
At MSN Packaging, we're not just your supplier — we’re your ride-or-die packaging partner. While trade reps toss economic grenades across the Pacific, we're staying laser-focused on keeping your product fresh, secure, and compliant… with a little style and a lot of chill.
🌏 So What’s the Situation with China?
🎯 TL;DR: Tariffs on packaging from China are high. Like, really high.
Here’s how they stack up:
| Type of Tariff | Description | % |
|---|---|---|
| Section 301 | OG 2018 tariff for unfair trade practices | 25% |
| IEEPA Tariff | 2025: Added for national security vibes | +20% |
| Reciprocal Tariff | Retaliation move — things got spicy | +125% |
| Temporary Mercy | A 90-day reduction (May–Aug 2025) | Now averages 34% total |
Yes, you're reading that right. Tariffs on Chinese packaging products were almost 170%, but someone at the negotiation table must’ve hit a dab pen and said, “Whoa, let’s take it down a notch.”
🧾 Know Your Codes (So You Don't Get Smoked by Customs)
Here are some of the most common HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes in the packaging world — especially in cannabis:
| Material | HTS Code | Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | 7010.90.00 | Child-resistant jars & bottles |
| Aluminum | 7612.90.10 | Pre-roll tins & doob tubes |
| Steel | 7310.29.00 | Metal edible containers |
| Paperboard | 4819.10.00 | Custom boxes, folding cartons |
| Plastic | 3923.10.00 | Pop tops, tubes, and concentrate containers |
| Compostable Plastics | 3923.90.00 | Bioplastics & Earth-lovin' options |
All of these, if they're coming from China, are currently riding the 30% tariff wave — but that wave could curl into something bigger if the temp reduction isn't renewed.
Why Should You Care?
Because you're trying to run a business, not a black-market smuggling op. Every percentage point on tariffs = more strain on your margins. And when you're competing on dispensary shelves, cost matters just as much as quality and compliance.
But don't panic.
We’ve got your back like a best friend holding your joint while you tie your shoe.
At MSN Packaging, we're navigating this mess with you. We’re not just importing blindly — we’re strategizing sourcing, ensuring every pop-top, jar, and tube meets compliance, looks dope on a shelf, and keeps your brand blazing ahead.
🧠 What You Can Do (Besides Spark One and Cry)
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Re-check your HTS codes. Customs doesn’t care that you “thought it was the right one.”
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Explore non-China sourcing options (we can help).
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Stock up if you know prices are about to spike. Don't wait for the next tariff tantrum.
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Work with a packaging partner who’s actually paying attention to this stuff (hi 👋).
💚 Let’s Ride This High (and Low) Together
Tariffs might be unpredictable, but your packaging partner doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re launching new SKUs, revamping your brand, or just need better containers that don’t leak, crack, or fail child-resistance testing — we’ve got you.
Check out our full lineup of high-quality, compliance-ready child-resistant packaging at www.msnpackaging.com — and let’s keep your product looking fire, no matter what international trade throws at us.