Thomas Buyer | Tariff Resource Center

Duty vs. Tariff — What’s the Difference?

Explore how duties and tariffs work, when they apply, and how they impact sourcing decisions.

U.S.-China Tariffs: Latest Developments

Stay up to date on evolving U.S.–China tariff policy and what it means for your supply chain.

Steel Industry Overview

Understand sourcing trends in the steel industry and find frequently sourced steel suppliers.

Chemical Industry Overview

Get a snapshot of the chemical sourcing landscape, plus the top suppliers on Thomasnet.

Tariff FAQs for Industrial Buyers

A tariff is a tax on imported goods, usually imposed to protect domestic industries or raise revenue. Duties are specific types of tariffs and can also apply to exports or specialized goods.

Tariffs can raise the cost of materials or products imported into the U.S., which may be passed along to buyers in the form of higher prices, especially for overseas suppliers.

Diversifying your supplier base, sourcing domestically where possible, and building relationships with multiple vendors can help minimize disruption from shifting trade policies.

Yes, Thomasnet lets you filter by location, certifications (like ISO or ITAR), and diversity status so you can find the right fit for your sourcing strategy.

You can subscribe to the Thomas Industry Update daily newsletter or check back here for regularly updated content on trade developments.