Tariffs, Trade & Turbulence: What It Means for Your Packaging Supply Chain

Tariffs, Trade & Turbulence are reshaping how U.S. companies manage packaging — especially in industries like cannabis, retail, and e-commerce. At Gray Line Supply, we live and breathe custom packaging — from branded mylar bags and custom boxes to labels, jars, and retail-ready designs. But lately, there’s one topic we can’t ignore: tariffs.

As a company that serves 700+ clients nationwide, mostly throughout the Midwest, we’ve seen firsthand how global shipping challenges — driven largely by rising tariffs — are impacting packaging timelines, costs, and sourcing.

What’s Happening: A Global Shift in Packaging Logistics

The past few years have brought volatile shifts in international trade policies. From U.S.-China tariff battles to geopolitical tension in Europe and the Middle East, the cost of importing packaging materials — especially plastics, paperboard, and aluminum — has increased dramatically.

Tariffs, Trade & Turbulence aren’t just buzzwords — they directly impact the:

• Cost of materials (especially for custom boxes, tins, and flexible packaging)
• Shipping timeframes due to re-routed cargo
• Production timelines when raw materials are delayed
• Final price for clients who are counting on affordability and speed

How Gray Line Supply Is Responding

1. Diversified Sourcing

We’ve expanded our supplier base to include domestic and nearshore partners, helping us avoid delays and reduce dependency on high-tariff regions. That means faster turnaround times and more stable pricing for our clients.

2. Inventory Planning & Forecasting

For high-volume clients, we now offer inventory support and forecasting tools to help anticipate lead times. Our team works with you to determine when to order, what to stock up on, and how to lock in pricing before tariff spikes impact costs.

3. Bulk Buying for Savings

With fluctuating rates, bulk orders are now more economical than ever. We help clients take advantage of volume discounts while minimizing the risk of supply chain disruptions.

4. Custom U.S.-Based Printing & Labeling

For items like custom sticker labels, child-resistant packaging, and retail displays, we offer U.S.-based production — reducing exposure to shipping delays and increasing quality control.

Why It Matters to You

If your business depends on branded packaging, you can’t afford unpredictability. Tariffs, Trade & Turbulence aren’t going away anytime soon — and global shipping will continue to face challenges. But with Gray Line Supply as your partner, you’ll have a team that:

• Understands the packaging supply chain inside and out
• Stays ahead of political and economic shifts
• Offers flexible solutions built for your brand

Whether you’re a dispensary looking for custom cannabis packaging, a beauty brand preparing for a product launch, or a startup building your first retail kit — we’re here to protect your margins, your brand, and your peace of mind.

📦 Explore our custom packaging solutions

📰 Learn more about current U.S. tariff policy

By Emily Gee, CEO, Gray Line Supply