Tariffs & Chinese Herbal Medicines

Have you ever wondered how tariffs affect the availability and cost of Chinese herbal medicines? 

When tariffs are imposed on Chinese herbal medicines, the cost of importing these remedies and the raw materials used to make them has increased significantly. Contrary to popular belief, the tariffs aren’t paid by China, but rather by US companies who import goods from China. For the Dr. Shen brand, which is manufactured in the USA, the cost of the whole herbs have risen 45% total since Trump’s coming into office. Though we've managed to hold prices steady until now, it's increasingly likely that you'll see higher prices in the near future.

Are There Some Products That Won't Cost More?

Yes, there are a few. These are medicines imported from Taiwan, Singapore, or Japan. They are not subject to Trump's tariffs, and the raw materials that they import from China are also not subject to tariffs.  We will do our best to carry Chinese herbal products that can be obtained from outside China.

Why are Tariffs on Chinese Herbs a Bad Idea?

Tariffs are often imposed to protect domestic industries.  But taxing these herbs won't protect a domestic industry, simply because there is no domestic industry.  Almost all of these herbs are available only from China and aren't grown in the USA at all. 

But can't we mitigate the impact of tariffs by cultivating these herbs domestically? Unfortunately not, because most American farmers aren't interested in growing them.  Farmers understand that the US market is far too limited to warrant the investment of planting, cultivating, and harvesting these herbs. So restricting Chinese imports won't result in much more US production. 

Many of us rely on Chinese herbal medicines as one of the few effective alternatives to pharmaceutical medicine. This tax has only increased costs and limits the availability of these unique natural remedies for Americans. Tariffs make these products more expensive and less accessible, forcing us to pay much more or forgo traditional remedies altogether. This can have implications for the overall health and well-being of those of us who rely on Chinese herbal medicines.

What Can We Do About It?

Advocate for Change

One effective strategy to stop the tariffs on Chinese herbs is to advocate for policy change. By raising awareness about the importance of these herbs and their role in traditional medicine, individuals can urge policymakers to reconsider these tariffs. You can to contact your congressperson here. https://ziplook.house.gov/htbin/findrep_house

Seek Exemptions and Tariff Relief

Exploring options for exemptions and tariff relief is another avenue to consider. By engaging with trade associations and government agencies, we can present our case for why Chinese herbs should be exempt from these tariffs or qualify for relief based on their unique cultural and medicinal significance.  The American Herbal Products Association has already filed an exemption request with the United States trade representitive stating that, "The net effect of the trade war tariffs has been to exacerbate economic hardship at home instead of accomplishing the stated purpose of retaliating against Chinese technology transfer and intellectual property practices."

Engage in Dialogue

Engaging in open dialogue with policymakers and trade representatives is crucial in addressing the issue of tariffs on Chinese herbs. By sharing insights on the impact of these tariffs and proposing alternative solutions, we can work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.

Overall, stopping the tariffs on Chinese herbs requires a multi-faceted approach that involves advocacy, collaboration, and dialogue. By taking proactive steps and working together, individuals can help ensure the continued availability and affordability of these important resources.