US Section 301 Tariffs Hit Optical Industry, Vision Council Alerts Members

The United States has imposed new Section 301 duties on imports from 60 economies after the expiration of the earlier Section 122 10 % tariff on July 24. The tariffs target alleged forced‑labor violations and affect nearly every major eyewear‑sourcing country.

The Vision Council, the industry’s leading advocate, says China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia now face a 12.5 % duty on top of existing rates, while India and Indonesia are levied a 10 % duty. The European Union and Japan receive capped rates, and many other nations are subject to either a 10 % duty or a 12.5 % combined rate. Council regulatory counsel Rick Van Arnam noted the added complexity and pledged resources such as a tariff dashboard to help members model cost impacts and identify exemptions.