An Unprecedented Time of Disruption
This level of uncertainty is uncomfortable—even for cannabis.
Tariffs were threatened, then they were promised, then paused. First, it was a whopping 145% on Chinese imports, next it was suggested 80% would do, and now, at the time of writing, de-escalation with China is holding at 30% with another 90-day pause. No matter where, how, and when this resolves, uncertainty, instability, delays, shortages, and cost increases on goods coming from China are for sure.
The cannabis industry is no stranger to change and uncertainty. If anything, the only constant in our industry is change. Navigating uncertainty has long been a part of our business, but doing business under the new tariffs is next-level uncertainty.
What is happening now is unprecedented in the history of supply chain distribution. As companies are attempting to secure their supply chains against disruptions, rising tariffs are forcing disruptions across all sectors. In the cannabis sector which relies heavily on a global supply chain primarily based outside the United States, Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies are especially challenging.
We are in this together. And while we don’t have a crystal ball, we can tell you this: we have quality solutions outside of mainland China. By sourcing cannabis packaging from local and domestic suppliers, we ensure continuing reliable packaging delivery for the cannabis industry.
The Price of Tariff Time Delays
From tariffs to pandemics—supply chain disruption.
Fast cannabis packaging production often utilizes a multi-country manufacturing approach which has some advantages including lower labor costs, access to specialized skills, and diversified resources. For all of these benefits though, global manufacturing also introduces a complex web of vulnerabilities.
As we are very presently aware, geopolitical instability is a most pressing concern that can inflame the cost of goods seemingly overnight. Political unrest, trade disputes, international sanctions, and yes—tariffs—can disrupt production, crippling supply chains by limiting the movement of goods and increasing the cost of doing business.
Though this is the conversation of the moment, the risks don’t stop there. Many global manufacturers rely heavily on single-source suppliers or narrowly concentrated geographic regions. Supplier dependency creates a fragility that can trigger disruption.
When a sole supplier experiences a natural disaster, financial collapse, or quality control issue, the entire supply chain can be thrown into disarray.
Natural environmental disasters, pandemics, cybersecurity, labor disputes, or sudden regulatory changes are all common factors that can add further strain to the global manufacturing landscape. Furthermore, the very complexity of the global supply chain introduces logistical challenges, including port delays, language and cultural barriers, and coordination across time zones, all of which can cause operations to slow and increase the risk of miscommunication or errors.
Maintaining flexibility is difficult with extended shipping times. Even a minor delay in the pre-roll packaging supply chain can trigger major downstream disruptions, and adapting when long lead times break down presents a challenge of its own.
Domestic Manufacturing Advantages
From faster delivery to better oversight.
For cannabis packaging to avoid tariff delays, shifting production to the U.S. offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of delivery speed and supply chain agility. U.S.-based manufacturing creates a more responsive, efficient, and customer-centric supply chain model that supports long-term growth and resilience.
By eliminating long-distance international shipping with domestic production, companies not only dramatically reduce transit times, but sidestep potential bottlenecks at customs and the unprecedented fluctuating import/export regulations of the Trump administration.
In addition to reduced time in transit, the reduced transportation costs of domestic suppliers can further enhance competitiveness and profitability. With domestic producers that are utilizing domestic suppliers, you also get faster material procurement—another critical benefit of domestic manufacturing.
When U.S.-based producers source raw materials and components from regional suppliers, that streamlined production schedule means shortened lead times for you. In today’s fast-paced market where rapid order fulfillment is expected, that agility often leads to improved customer satisfaction.
Further, U.S. production enhances supply chain visibility and control. With fewer intermediaries and closer oversight, companies are better equipped to manage inventory, address disruptions in real-time, and maintain consistent product quality.
Custom Solutions with Agility
Around the world and here at home.
To thrive in a global manufacturing landscape, we must all prioritize risk mitigation strategies through supplier diversification, real-time monitoring of geopolitical developments, robust cybersecurity, and contingency plans for environmental and logistical disruptions. While we all enjoy the benefits of international manufacturing, this historic moment illuminates the high stakes and the importance of a more resilient approach to cannabis packaging supply chain solutions.
With decades of industry experience and relationships across the world and around the country, we have the benefit of a global manufacturing footprint and a thick network of domestic partners. We are able to deliver a full range of rapid custom cannabis packaging, quickly moving tailored quality packaging to our clients from domestic and international origins.
This moment calls for a rethink to mitigate supply chain disruption risks to day-to-day business operations. Like you, we value vendors who can continue to produce efficiently and effectively to deliver the best value product as quickly as possible. While we continue to navigate overseas solutions that historically have pricing advantages, we have solutions outside of mainland China that sidestep tariffs without compromising quality.
Despite the challenges of the day, we have prepared for this moment. Suppose you are having to consider alternatives to your usual suppliers. In that case, we have an unshakable ability to service custom cannabis containers and packaging from quality, cost-effective suppliers in the U.S. and abroad.
Further, our free cannabis packaging warehousing solution is designed to help cannabis brands take advantage of bulk buys and manage their packaging inventory without the burden of high storage costs or supply chain disruptions. By offering secure off-site storage of cannabis packaging at no additional cost, we help our clients maintain cost-efficient packaging stocks without overcrowding their own facilities.
Successfully Navigating Tariffs
The ultimate goal is to keep operations moving. Our deep supplier relationships allow businesses to maintain continuity and control, delivering stability, speed, and quality even in these most unpredictable times.
When recent tariff adjustments suddenly stalled a shipment of glass flower jars en route from China, a client in New Jersey faced an urgent threat to their production timeline. A shipment integral to their cannabis product packaging was stuck in customs with no clear resolution in sight.
Delays of this kind typically trigger cascading operational disruptions and unplanned costs, often forcing businesses to choose between halting production or absorbing steep price increases. However, within days of working through our domestic partners, we were able to develop and deliver a fully customized, equivalent container.
Likewise, we found a domestic manufacturing solution for a new client in Ohio who needed Mylar pouch cannabis bags to refill his empty stock. Though he had been pleased with his overseas supplier, he needed something quick.
RXDco was able to deliver within two weeks, saving him lead time while improving quality and function.
In both of these instances, what could have been a costly breakdown in their supply chains was quickly transformed into a seamless pivot.
Partnering on Time-Sensitive Packaging Needs
Trust an industry veteran to keep things moving.
Avoid production downtime, price surges, and the burden of navigating tariff fallout alone. RXDco is a fully resourced partner for today’s volatile global market.
Don’t wait until an issue arises with your glass flower jars or pre-roll solutions.
Contact us now for a quick turnaround on pre-roll packaging before you encounter delays and increased costs. We have a variety of custom domestic pre-roll packaging solutions, including timeless Pre-Roll Tins, revolutionary Bi-Tri Tubes, eco-friendly PearlLoc Slides and Boxes, and more.
RXDco delivers innovative, compliant cannabis packaging solutions designed to move without delay. We eliminate tariff-related setbacks with competitive pricing, fast turnarounds, and uncompromising quality.
As you evaluate alternative sources for innovative, compliant cannabis packaging, we invite you to discover how RXDco’s proper domestic packaging solutions can give your business a competitive edge while delivering a premium experience to your customers.
