9/11/2025 Update.
For the "TL;DR" crowd: If you have a paint protection project on the to do list, our recommendations would be to order ASAP as pricing can and likely will increase without notice given the volatility of the situation.
Fast forward 5 months from the initial announcement on widespread taxes on nearly everything imported into the country we are still flying blind with no clear messaging (aside from prices will be going up). As of September 11th import taxes are now 20% on Taiwanese goods (including 3M's Pro Series Paint Protection Films). U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Thursday on CNBC that "we have a big deal coming with Taiwan", but he did not give details. 3M has not given any direction on future pricing as just like us, they have no idea either.
Given the President's desire to tax everything imported plus country specific rates we do anticipate large scale price increases once these the goods clear customs and arrive to the wholesale market. Tax baby tax. Buy now or pay more later is the theme of the year.
We are seeing large scale supply disruptions across industries including ours as importers hold USA bound shipments until more certainty is achieved. This means once on hand goods are sold out it could be quite some time until a replenishment supply arrives and at a price yet to be determined. We have been given no direction on the timing as current situation does not make that possible. All we know is that pricing will likely be going up, it is just a question of when. If you have a spring paint protection project on your to do list we suggest ordering ASAP.
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For the "TL;DR" crowd: If you have a spring project on the to do list, our recommendations would be to order before April 9th in case the President does not change his mind and does indeed go through with these massive new taxes.
Yesterday, April 2, 2025, President Trump rolled out his massive and widespread import taxes on nearly everything imported to the USA. These new taxes will impact every business and every consumer in the USA, even those with domestic production / final assembly as the supply chain is global and most things you buy do have some fine print regarding globally sources materials / components.
Our company was founded in 2003. Even way back then 3M PPF has always been produced with globally sourced materials. Starting with the current generation of Scotchgard Pro 200, 3M moved production to Taiwan to improve quality and maintain price. There has been no indication from 3M they currently have the ability to produce these materials in the USA.
What does this mean for your paint protection needs? According to the list published by the President, Taiwan (where 3M produces its pro series paint protection film) will be subject to an additional 32% import tax starting April 9th. The instability of the messaging coming from Washington has made business planning a challenge for every business including ours. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep pricing stable but if tariff changes are not made and the cost goes up 32% or more that tax increase will be directly reflected in retail pricing.
If you have a spring project on the to do list, our recommendations would be to order before April 9th in case the President does not change his mind and does indeed go through with these massive new taxes.