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Tariff Resource Center

Navigating Tariffs Without Disrupting Your Supply

Global trade policies continue to evolve, and changes to tariffs can significantly affect the cost and availability of printed circuit boards, cable assemblies, battery packs, flexible heaters, user interfaces, CNC-machined components, and other custom electronic products. As new regulations are introduced or existing exemptions expire, manufacturers may experience unexpected cost increases, longer lead times, or sourcing challenges.

At Epec, we continuously monitor changes that affect the electronics manufacturing industry so our customers can make informed purchasing decisions. Our engineering, sourcing, and supply chain teams work proactively with customers to identify potential risks, recommend alternative manufacturing strategies, and help minimize disruptions whenever possible.

Whether you're planning production months in advance or responding to changing market conditions, Epec offers solutions designed to improve supply chain stability, including inventory stocking programs, multiple global manufacturing locations, engineering support for alternative materials or designs, and transparent communication throughout your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Links

How Do Tariffs Affect My Project?

Tariffs may increase the landed cost of imported materials or finished products depending on the country of origin, product classification, and current U.S. Customs regulations. The impact varies by product and manufacturing location.

Will Epec Notify Me if Tariffs Impact My Order?

Yes. If a tariff change affects an existing quote or production order, your Epec representative will, whenever possible, communicate any potential impact and discuss available options before proceeding.

Can Epec Help Reduce the Impact of Tariffs?

Absolutely. Depending on your product, we may be able to recommend alternative manufacturing locations, alternative materials, design modifications, or inventory planning strategies that help reduce overall cost and minimize future risk.

Does Epec Manufacture Outside of China?

Yes. Epec maintains a global manufacturing network and works with qualified manufacturing partners in multiple regions. This flexibility allows us to recommend the best manufacturing strategy based on technical requirements, cost, lead time, and current trade conditions.

Can Inventory Stocking Help Protect Against Future Tariff Increases?

In many cases, yes. Our Inventory Stocking Program allows customers to purchase product under current pricing while scheduling releases over time. This can help reduce exposure to future tariff changes, material shortages, and extended lead times.

What Products Could be Affected by Tariffs?

Tariff policies may affect products across many categories, including:

  • Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
  • Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBs
  • Cable Assemblies & Wire Harnesses
  • Custom Battery Packs
  • Flexible Heaters
  • User Interfaces
  • CNC Machined Components

The actual impact depends on product origin, materials, and current trade regulations.

Will My Lead Times Change Because of Tariffs?

Tariffs themselves don't always increase lead times, but they can shift global demand and manufacturing capacity. Customers often experience longer lead times when sourcing shifts between countries or when manufacturers adjust production capacity.

While tariffs themselves do not typically create manufacturing delays, they can significantly impact customs clearance times. Each new tariff program introduces additional documentation, classification requirements, country-of-origin declarations, and compliance reviews that must be completed before a shipment can be released by customs authorities.

As tariff regulations continue to change, customs brokers, carriers, and importers are frequently required to provide additional information to support the proper assessment of duties. If requested documentation is incomplete, inaccurate, or not provided promptly, shipments may be held for further review, resulting in delays of several days or longer. In some cases, customs agencies may request clarification after a shipment has already arrived, creating unexpected disruptions even when products have been manufactured and shipped on schedule.

For this reason, Epec works closely with our logistics partners, customs brokers, and suppliers to ensure all required documentation is prepared in advance. However, in today's rapidly changing tariff environment, occasional customs delays remain possible as government agencies and importers adapt to new regulations and reporting requirements.

Should I Place Orders Earlier than Normal?

For production programs or forecasted demand, placing orders earlier can provide greater flexibility and reduce the risk of future cost increases or supply disruptions. Your Epec team can help determine the best ordering strategy for your application.

When Will Pricing Reflect Changes in Tariff Regulations?

Unlike many companies that incorporate tariff costs into product pricing, Epec separately identifies and itemizes applicable tariff charges on customer quotations, order acknowledgments, and invoices whenever possible. This approach provides complete transparency, allowing customers to clearly see the impact of government-imposed duties rather than having those costs embedded within product pricing.

As tariff regulations evolve, including recent developments surrounding IEEPA and Section 122 tariffs, Epec is actively reviewing the impact on our imported materials and components. Because tariff costs are broken out as separate line items, customers should expect to see adjustments reflected directly in those charges as the underlying obligations become clear and are implemented throughout the supply chain. Our goal is to ensure customers pay only the actual tariff-related costs incurred and to provide full visibility into any increases or decreases resulting from government policy changes.

Will Customers Receive Reimbursement for Previously Assessed Tariff Charges?

At this time, there is no confirmed process for tariff reimbursements. We encourage customers to review the ECIA publication, "Journey from Federal Refund to Your Pocket: A Realistic Timeline," which provides an excellent overview of the numerous legal, administrative, and logistical steps that must occur before any potential refunds could be distributed.

How Would a Potential Refund Program Be Managed?

The details surrounding possible tariff refunds remain uncertain. Several factors must be resolved before any reimbursement process can be considered, including:

  • Which tariffs, if any, qualify for refunds
  • The timing and likelihood of government reimbursement
  • How the administration will communicate which tariffs are being refunded
  • Whether refunds will flow through the entire supply chain
  • Administrative costs associated with processing claims
  • Ongoing litigation and regulatory uncertainty

Until these issues are clarified, it is not possible to establish a definitive refund methodology. Epec will continue working closely with suppliers, industry organizations, and customers as additional information becomes available.

Can Epec Issue Credits Before Government Refunds Are Received?

No. Tariffs are duties collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time products enter the country. Any consideration of customer credits would require confirmation that corresponding duties have first been refunded through the applicable government process.

Why Have Some Tariff Recovery Charges Increased Despite Recent Tariff-Related News?

Tariff regulations continue to evolve rapidly, and the impact on global supply chains remains complex. Epec regularly reviews tariff exposure across our products and services while balancing the cost increases absorbed by both Epec and our supplier partners. As market conditions change, adjustments to tariff recovery charges may be necessary to accurately reflect actual costs incurred. Our objective remains to provide a fair, transparent, and sustainable approach while minimizing disruption to our customers.

How Often Does Epec Update This Page?

This page is updated whenever significant trade policy changes could affect our customers. Because tariff regulations can change quickly, we encourage customers with active projects to contact us directly for the latest information.

Need Help Evaluating Your Supply Chain?

If you're concerned about how changing tariffs or global supply chain conditions may affect your next project, our engineering and supply chain teams are here to help. Whether you're evaluating a new design, reviewing an existing product, or planning future production, Epec can help you identify the best manufacturing strategy for your application.

Questions?

Contact your Epec representative or request a quote to discuss your project with our engineering team.