Dear Valued Customers and Partners,

As you are aware, the U.S. government recently imposed tariffs on a wide range of imported goods—including a 25% tariff on imported raw materials and a 10% global tariff.  We are now beginning to feel the impact of these trade decisions directly due to rising material costs and constrained supply chains. Like most American manufacturers, Republic relies on a blended supply network, with partners and facilities across the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. These tariffs are affecting not just imported finished goods, but also critical components and raw materials we use to manufacture our products in Dallas, Texas.

Here’s what we’re seeing:

• Input costs are up significantly—especially for raw steel, aluminum, and other key components with limited domestic alternatives. We are also seeing prices for American-made goods increase as our suppliers are face the same cost pressures as Republic.
• Supply chain efficiency is decreasing, with longer lead times, a lack of pricing stability, unclear material availability, and overall reduced supplier reliability.
• Margins continue to tighten, and while we have absorbed as much as possible to protect our customers, we must now take action to stay ahead

As a result, Republic implemented a temporary surcharge effective Monday, May 5, 2025. We've made every effort to avoid this step, waiting longer than some in our industry, staying patient in the hope that we could shield our customers from these rising costs. At this time, a surcharge that partially passes along the immediate increases we are facing is necessary to maintain the service level, inventory, and product quality that our customers expect.

We expect these adjustments to be temporary, and we’ll remain flexible as the trade environment evolves. Our management team will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and reassess our pricing requirements on a monthly basis, communicating updates promptly and proactively.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your upcoming orders or shipments, please contact your local sales representative or reach out to our customer service team directly at info@republic-mfg.com or 1-800-847-0380.

Frequently Asked Questions related to Republic's Surcharge Policy

What is this tariff surcharge on my quote/confirmation/invoice?
The 10% tariff surcharge reflects additional material costs resulting from government-imposed import taxes on goods. 

Why are you charging me a surcharge now?
As of early April 2025, changes in trade policy significantly increased the cost of many materials we rely on. Instead of passing the full burden onto our customers through permanent price hikes, we have implemented surcharge to cover the larger tariff-related and inflationary costs transparently.

Is this surcharge permanent?
No. The surcharge is tied directly to the tariff situation. If tariffs are reduced or removed, we will re-evaluate and adjust/reduce the surcharge accordingly.

Why didn’t you just increase your prices more?
We felt that a separate surcharge, that can be adjusted quickly if tariffs change, would be better for our customers - rather than locking in higher prices

Are all your products affected?
Most products are impacted. Wherever possible, we’ve shielded customers from these costs altogether.

What tariffs are causing this surcharge?
The surcharge relates to specific government-imposed tariffs on imported raw materials and finished goods. These measures have increased the cost of critical items across our supply chain.

Have your suppliers raised their prices too?
Yes, many suppliers have passed along tariff-related cost increases very quickly. We are absorbing part of those increases ourselves and only passing on what’s absolutely necessary — through a targeted surcharge.

Couldn’t you find a cheaper source to avoid the tariffs?
We actively explore alternatives, but for many of our products, quality, certification, and performance requirements limit those options. Republic is an ISO-9001 company, and maintaining reliable quality remains our highest priority.

How much of the surcharge is actual tariff versus added profit?
The surcharge is strictly tied to offsetting increased costs due to rising costs. It’s not a profit driver — in fact, we have absorbed the majority of the increases ourselves to limit the impact on our customers.

If I place a larger order, will you waive the surcharge?
The surcharge applies proportionally based on affected materials, regardless of order size. However, we’re happy to collaborate on forecasting and inventory planning to help manage your total costs more effectively.

Why should I keep buying from you if others aren’t charging a tariff fee?
Some competitors may be rolling tariff costs into higher overall prices without clear disclosure. We believe transparency builds trust — so you see exactly what’s driving the change and can plan accordingly.

I’ve been a loyal customer for years — can you make an exception?
We truly value your loyalty, but this surcharge is a company-wide necessity.  We are always open to reviewing your specific needs and we can discuss your situation and purchase orders with our sales representatives and customer service team.

How can I minimize the impact of the surcharge on my business?
We recommend planning purchases strategically, talking with your sales representative or customer service partner with our team for longer-term sourcing strategies that can reduce overall exposure.

Will you notify me if the surcharge changes?
Absolutely. We are committed to keeping you informed if there are any changes to either the surcharge or overall pricing related to the evolving tariff situation.