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THE STANDARD

The IOBA Standard is the journal of the Independent Online Booksellers Association and covers the book world, with a special focus on the online used, out-of-print, and collectible bookselling markets.

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An Open Letter About Book Tariffs

Recent changes to U.S. trade policies are affecting the book trade. The IOBA Board of Directors penned this letter reflecting our concerns.  It was sent to U.S. Congress and Senate Committees.


Dear Chairman, I'm writing to you as the President of the Independent Online Booksellers Association. IOBA is a U.S.-based, nonprofit, international trade organization benefiting member booksellers conducting business online, with many members also having brick and mortar retail operations. The Executive Branch of the US government issued Executive Orders 14193, 14194, 14195, 14226, 14227, 14228, 14257, 14259, 14266, and 14298, all readable at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ The stated intents of the Executive Orders were balancing trade and improving national security, but these Orders caused unintended, significant harm to the bookselling trade. Additionally, the Orders apply to trade in newly produced goods, but our members are unduly burdened as they trade mainly in used, collectible, and antiquarian books. Books are tariff-free in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of 9/2025, but Orders override that, and U.S. and non-U.S. booksellers are severely constrained by country-by-country ad valorem tariffs of 10% to 25% or a flat rate from $80 to $200 USD. Navigating uncertainty, major countries and blocs have suspended parcel shipments to the U.S., thus affecting our member booksellers.
Particularly harmful is suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. Books have low profit margin, and most online sales are for a single book, thus the ad valorem tariffs negate any profit on, and effectively stop, international sales to U.S. booksellers and retail customers. Even a 10% levy on books, plus the undue burden of reportage, threatens the viability of the traditionally low profit bookselling business. Some of our member booksellers specialize in non-U.S. topics and source books from non-U.S. countries. Current tariffs effectively thwart these booksellers from sourcing inventory, and their businesses will fail if this is not remedied. Our U.S. and non-U.S. member booksellers operate what is classified as a "small business," are self-employed, and their trade supports their families and their local economies. Current Executive Orders, as written, are causing both present and lasting harm to these booksellers. I urge you to use the power of your position to influence key decision-makers, with the goal of amending Executive Orders, and other policies, to stop this harm. Sincerely, Jeffrey A. Rothermel President, Independent Online Booksellers Association


We recommend reading this article from the Washington Post by Book Club (Ron Charles):




If you're an independent online bookseller, consider joining us. With a larger membership, we have a louder voice to advocate for better policies for the book trade.


If you're a concerned citizen, please support independent booksellers. They are navigating uncertainty right now and could use your help!


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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA)

 

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