SanMar tariff price changes are officially going into effect starting June 1, 2025, and here’s exactly what that means for you as a customer. Due to the impact of new 10% base tariffs on imported goods, SanMar is making some strategic adjustments to product pricing and payment processing. These changes are designed to keep price hikes manageable while still maintaining product availability and service quality.
Here’s the breakdown:
- A 3.5% price increase will apply to all private label and retail products.
- Volunteer Knitwear prices remain unchanged since the brand is made in Tennessee and not subject to any import tariffs.
- A 3% surcharge on credit card payments will be added to help offset rising interchange fees—something many industry suppliers already do.
SanMar will be sharing a full updated price list next week, so keep an eye out in your inbox. These updates aren’t just numbers—they’re part of a broader strategy to maintain transparency, adapt to market changes, and keep supporting your business without compromising on quality.
If you’re wondering how to keep costs under control or explore U.S.-made options like Volunteer Knitwear, now’s the time to reevaluate your go-to products and payment methods.
Why SanMar Tariff Price Changes Are Happening Now
SanMar tariff price changes are happening because of a 10% base tariff now applied to apparel imported from all foreign countries. That’s a big shift—and it’s driving up costs across the board. SanMar has been working behind the scenes to cushion the impact, but the reality is that some increases are unavoidable.
Let’s break it down:
- Tariffs on apparel are affecting nearly every imported product in the industry.
- SanMar has halted production in China and is moving orders to more cost-effective, tariff-friendly countries.
- The company is absorbing a portion of the new tariffs themselves—meaning they’re not passing everything onto you.
- They’re actively negotiating with factory partners to lock in better pricing and avoid unnecessary costs.
SanMar’s decision to adjust pricing wasn’t taken lightly. These price changes are a direct response to global economic shifts and increased import fees—especially for screen printing blanks, retail brands, and custom apparel essentials. But even with the pressure, the company’s goal remains the same: keep SanMar prices competitive and predictable while giving customers time to adjust.
So if you’re feeling the squeeze from recent tariffs on screen printing products, know this: SanMar is doing everything possible to reduce the impact—and keep your shop moving without burning your bottom line.
Volunteer Knitwear: Not Affected By SanMar Tariff Price Changes
SanMar tariff price changes won’t impact everything, and that’s where the good news comes in. If you’re looking for stable pricing during all this tariff turbulence, Volunteer Knitwear is your go-to. This American-made brand is produced in Tennessee, which means it’s not subject to the new import tariffs driving up prices elsewhere.
Here’s why it matters:
- Made in the USA apparel like Volunteer Knitwear avoids the 10% tariff altogether.
- You get consistent pricing without surprise increases.
- It’s a smart switch for decorators looking to sidestep rising costs tied to imported products.
For customers asking how to stay competitive while navigating SanMar tariff price changes, Volunteer Knitwear offers a solid answer. It’s especially ideal for those prioritizing USA-made apparel or working with clients who value domestic manufacturing.
So if you’re reevaluating your blank apparel lineup, consider shifting more orders toward Volunteer Knitwear. It’s a simple move that helps you stay agile, save money, and support American manufacturing—all without compromising on quality.
SanMar's Credit Card Surcharge Explained (And How To Avoid It)
SanMar tariff price changes come with another update that’s worth understanding—a 3% credit card surcharge starting June 1. This isn’t about padding profits; it’s SanMar’s move to offset rising credit card interchange fees, which have become a serious cost factor for suppliers across the industry.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The 3% fee applies only to credit card payments.
- It helps cover the transaction costs SanMar currently absorbs.
- This approach aligns with standard practices many apparel industry suppliers already follow.
But here’s the win: You can skip the surcharge entirely by applying for credit terms. SanMar’s credit team is ready to help you apply and get approved. Just shoot them an email at CreditAppsTeam@sanmar.com and they’ll walk you through it.
If you’re focused on minimizing the impact of SanMar tariff price changes, avoiding this surcharge is one of the easiest ways to protect your margins. It’s a quick shift that could save your shop thousands over the course of the year—especially if you’re placing frequent or high-volume orders.
What To Know About Upcoming Price Changes From Other Brands
SanMar tariff price changes aren’t happening in a vacuum, and it’s important to know what else might be headed your way. Several major industry brands have already signaled potential price hikes in response to the ongoing 10% base tariff on imported goods.
Here’s who’s likely next:
While exact pricing hasn’t been released yet, SanMar expects to receive price increase notifications from these brands in the coming weeks. If you regularly order from any of these names, it’s a good time to start planning ahead.
This isn’t just about one company—it’s an industry-wide ripple effect caused by global tariff shifts. SanMar is keeping customers updated as things develop, and their sourcing team is working behind the scenes to adapt quickly.
If your business relies heavily on these brands, staying ahead of potential price changes could give you a competitive edge. Consider evaluating inventory now, locking in current pricing where possible, and exploring alternatives like Volunteer Knitwear to ease the transition.
How SanMar Is Working To Reduce Tariff Impact
SanMar tariff price changes are just one piece of a much bigger strategy. Behind the scenes, SanMar is making serious moves to limit how much tariffs affect your bottom line—because staying competitive means staying flexible.
Here’s how they’re doing it:
- Investing in automation: SanMar is about to launch its first automated distribution center, which means faster, more accurate order fulfillment at a lower cost.
- Shifting sourcing strategies: By ceasing production in China and sourcing from lower-cost, tariff-friendly countries, they’re optimizing supply chains to reduce risk and costs.
- Absorbing some of the costs: SanMar isn’t passing every penny of the tariff burden to customers—they’re eating a portion of it to keep price hikes minimal.
- Building supply chain resilience: Their global network is expanding to stay agile during unpredictable market shifts and future tariff changes.
While it’s easy to feel like tariffs are out of your control, it’s worth knowing that SanMar is actively working to protect you from the worst of it. These proactive steps aren’t just about today—they’re setting up a smarter, more efficient foundation to help your shop thrive long-term.
SanMar Tariff Price Changes: A Message From The CEO
SanMar tariff price changes weren’t decided lightly—and that’s something Jeremy Lott, SanMar’s President & CEO, wants customers to hear directly. In a message grounded in transparency, he emphasized that the goal was simple: keep prices as fair as possible while giving customers tools to avoid extra costs.
SanMar’s approach reflects its long-standing values—“Be Nice and Tell the Truth.” That means openly communicating about tariff impacts, offering alternatives like Volunteer Knitwear, and giving you the option to bypass credit card surcharges by applying for terms.
Even with tariffs creating uncertainty, the team at SanMar is staying focused on what they can control:
- Clear communication
- Cost-saving strategies
- A commitment to long-term customer success
As the global situation evolves, especially during the current 90-day tariff pause, SanMar will continue to keep you informed. If you’re already using DecoNetwork, you’re in a great position to stay ahead. With built-in tools to update pricing, sync supplier catalogs, and streamline quoting, you’ve got the flexibility to respond quickly to changes—and the confidence that your storefront is always up to date.
While some larger retail brands may introduce further price increases in 2026, SanMar’s flexible sourcing strategy puts them in a strong position to navigate what’s ahead.
So yeah, the news isn’t perfect—but it’s honest. And when a company leads with transparency, it’s a sign they’re playing the long game—and giving your business time to adapt.
