Why Office Supply Prices Are Rising: The Impact of Tariffs on Your Business

Published on 4/7/25 by Federal Supply

A Quick Look at What's Happening

If you’ve noticed price changes on some of your regular office supplies, you’re not alone. One of the major reasons behind the shift is tariffs — taxes imposed on imported goods. These are affecting the cost of everything from paper and toner to office chairs and desk accessories.

At , we want you to understand why this is happening and what we’re doing to help minimize the impact on your business.

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are government-imposed taxes on goods brought into the country from abroad. When tariffs go up on materials or products we rely on — such as pulp for paper or components for ink cartridges — the cost to produce or import those items increases.

That added cost doesn’t stop there. It moves through the supply chain and eventually affects you, the end-user.

How Office Supplies Are Affected

• Paper Products – Copy paper, notepads, and labels are impacted by tariffs on pulp and chemicals.
• Ink & Toner – Many cartridges contain imported components now subject to tariffs.
• Office Furniture – Items like desks, chairs, and filing cabinets, especially those made with metal or wood, are facing significant cost increases.
• Tech Accessories – Printers, monitors, cables, and chargers are all affected by electronics-related tariffs.

What We’re Doing to Help

• ✅ Exploring alternative suppliers – Including domestic options that avoid tariff-related pricing.
• ✅ Strategic inventory planning – Stocking up on high-demand items before costs rise further.
• ✅ Offering cost-effective product alternatives – Without sacrificing quality.
• ✅ Keeping you informed – Transparency is our policy.

What You Can Do

• Buy in bulk: For products you use regularly, ordering in larger quantities now can lock in current pricing.
• Ask us for alternatives: We can often recommend similar products that offer better value.
• Stay in the loop: Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for timely updates.

We're in This Together

We understand how important budget control is for every business — and we’re committed to helping you navigate this changing landscape without compromising on service or quality.

If you have questions or want to talk through specific products, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.