As President Donald Trump's tariffs war on imported goods continue to take effect, members of BookTok, a vibrant community of book lovers on TikTok, are Fraising alarms about how these changes could impact the book publishing industry.
BookTok creators, known for their enthusiasm about reading, have expressed growing anxiety about the rising costs of books. Some are particularly concerned about the possibility of prices soaring and how this might affect their access to affordable books. In response, several international booksellers have indicated that they might rethink their policies on shipping books to the U.S.
Lia Reads, a prominent BookTok creator, voiced her concerns in a widely shared video, which has now surpassed 600,000 views. "This has gotten way out of hand, and the book industry is so small in the grand scheme of things," she said, emphasizing how the changes could have a huge impact on the industry.
Over the last week, multiple BookTok users have shared similar videos, warning that Trump's re-election could lead to a situation where even $10 paperbacks might be a thing of the past.
In a recent update on April 2, 2025, the White House issued a list of exempted items under the new executive order, which included print books and children’s picture books. This means that books like Bibles printed on thinner paper and baby board books, which are mostly produced overseas, may remain unaffected by the tariffs.
However, industry experts believe that the new tariffs could still increase the cost of book manufacturing. Brian O’Leary, Executive Director of the Book Industry Study Group, a major U.S. trade organization, explained that tariffs could lead to reduced profit margins for publishers, eventually raising the price of books for readers.
"While most books in the U.S. are printed locally, we still rely on imported raw materials and machine parts for production. In 2023 alone, the U.S. imported over $409 million worth of paper, with 73% coming from Canada," O’Leary noted.
He added that the tariffs may not just affect the cost of consumables like paper, but also drive up the prices of machinery needed for domestic printing, making long-term manufacturing more expensive.
Along with domestic concerns, U.S. readers who prefer buying books from international retailers have voiced their worries over how tariffs could influence their ability to get books from overseas. Some readers in the U.S. are particularly drawn to foreign editions of books due to earlier release dates, exclusive content, and collectible editions.
One BookTok user expressed concern over securing a signed copy of a book from the UK-based store Waterstones, even offering to pay extra. In response, Waterstones assured its U.S. customers that, while the implications of the tariffs were still unclear, any additional charges would be indicated at checkout.
The issue of tariffs comes amid broader debates within the BookTok community regarding whether books should remain separate from politics. Some creators have pushed for a "politics-free" BookTok, but many have argued that books inherently carry political weight, especially in light of ongoing book bans.
As concerns about tariffs grow, some authors have also expressed fears that travel restrictions could make it more difficult for them to attend book tours. Ali Hazelwood, a romance author originally from Italy, revealed that she had to cancel her U.K. tour and opt for virtual events instead. She cited safety concerns due to the current political climate and travel restrictions affecting some U.S. residents and visitors.
This decision echoes the concerns raised by many BookTok users, including Cait from Beneath the Covers NYC, who pointed out that debates about the political nature of books seem increasingly irrelevant in today’s climate.
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