Q3 Tariff Update: The Price Increases & Marketing Strategies for 2026
The financial cascade is now complete:
- Virtually all major suppliers have implemented the predicted 10-20% price increases
- 78% of distributors report clients are exploring lower-cost alternatives or reducing order volumes
- Average order values have declined 12% as buyers become more price-sensitive
Product Categories: The New Winners and Losers
Most Challenging Categories
Metals & Drinkware: 25-50% tariffs on steel/aluminum continue to devastate traditional favorites
Electronics: Consumer tech faces 10-25% increases, though selective exemptions create opportunities
Jewelry: The “triple-whammy” of high tariffs, record precious metal prices, and 50% copper tariffs makes this category nearly untenable for price-sensitive campaigns
Strategic Opportunities
Near-Shore Production: Mexico manufacturing is now mainstream defensive strategy, not just opportunity
Domestic Premium: “Made in USA” positioning justifies higher costs for high-value corporate programs
Alternative Materials: Innovative product design using tariff-friendly materials and components
Digital Integration: Hybrid campaigns combining physical items with digital experiences to maximize impact
The “Made in USA” Strategic Reality
Domestic production demand continues growing, but smart deployment is key. Made-in-USA works best for:
- High-end corporate gifts where story and quality are paramount
- Quick-turnaround event merchandise requiring domestic supply chain speed
- Campaigns where the “Made-in-USA” narrative is central to brand positioning
- Products requiring extensive customization better suited to domestic manufacturing flexibility
What Should Marketers Prioritize for Q4 2025 and 2026 Budget Planning?
The emergency phase is over. Strategic planning for the new normal begins now.
Immediate Actions (This Month)
- Re-baseline All Budgets: Adjust Q4 campaigns for the new 10-20% cost reality
- Audit Supply Chain Exposure: Map dependencies on high-tariff regions and begin sourcing alternatives
- Lock in Q4 Production: Confirm pricing and production slots for all remaining 2025 campaigns
- Explore Product Alternatives: Work with distributors to identify tariff-friendly substitutions
Strategic Planning (Q4 2025)
- 2026 Budget Planning: Build new cost structure into annual planning from the ground up
- Supply Chain Diversification: Develop USMCA and domestic alternatives for high-volume products
- Service Evolution: Integrate digital and experiential elements where physical product costs are prohibitive
- Client Communication: Develop transparent pricing models that account for continued tariff volatility
Long-term Positioning (2026 and Beyond)
- Value-Added Services: Shift from commodity provider to strategic marketing consultant
- Integrated Solutions: Combine promotional products with digital campaigns and experiential marketing
- Geographic Strategy: Build diverse supplier base across multiple trade-friendly regions
- Technology Integration: Use data and automation to offset higher unit costs with operational efficiency
Cost Reality Check: A promotional campaign that would have cost $25,000 in July now costs approximately $30,000, which is a 20% increase that reflects the new tariff structure. Planning similar campaigns for 2026 without budget adjustments will result in significant shortfalls or reduced scope.
Strategic Response: Rather than simply absorbing or passing through cost increases, successful brands are repositioning promotional products as premium marketing investments that deliver measurable ROI through enhanced recipient engagement and brand recall.
How Can Brandit’s Pixels, Promos, and Places Help Brands Navigate Tariff Challenges?
The tariff landscape will remain volatile, but strategic brands can thrive by embracing integration over isolation. At Brandit Marketing Solutions, our unique approach unifies Pixels (digital marketing), Promos (promotional products) and Places (environmental branding) to create flexible, resilient campaigns.
When promotional products face cost pressures, we seamlessly shift emphasis to high-impact digital engagement or memorable experiential branding without losing brand consistency or momentum. Our integrated platform turns supply chain challenges into opportunities for creative problem-solving.
Our team maintains real-time market intelligence, diverse supplier relationships, and strategic alternatives that enhance your brand presence while managing costs effectively. We don’t just adapt to change, we help you leverage it for competitive advantage.
Ready to Build a Resilient Marketing Strategy?
The brands that thrive in this environment will be those that think strategically, act decisively, and partner wisely. Contact Brandit Marketing Solutions today to discuss how our comprehensive, integrated approach can help your brand not just survive the tariff era, but emerge stronger and more competitive.
The future belongs to brands that turn challenges into catalysts for innovation. Let’s build that future together.
Ready to Take Your Brand Beyond Ordinary?
Your marketing shouldn’t just exist. It should perform. If you’re done settling for “good enough,” let’s build something impossible to ignore. Brandit helps you connect every digital, physical, and promotional touchpoint into one unstoppable brand experience.
Real Results,
Real Reactions
What Our Clients Say
"I sent out three bids for my marketing needs for this year and Brandit was the most responsive and provided great ideas. One company I reached out hadn't even gotten back to me while the other wasn't even close to being comparable to Brandit's creativity, pricing and service."
"I have used Brandit for several projects and they always come through with fantastic pricing and customer service. I highly recommend them."
Southern New Hampshire University
"Thanks to Brandit's generous contribution to the Big Ideas for Building Independence Capital Campaign, Easterseals NH is now better able to serve people with disabilities or special needs. With your support, we raised nearly $2.6 million for renovations to our headquarters."
"It has been an incredible journey! We couldn't have done it without you, and wish to take this opportunity to thank you and your team at Brandit Marketing Solutions for all that you have done and your generous donation."
Easterseals, NH
"Bringing Brandit Marketing Solutions into the CMC-fold is the best thing and most appreciative thing I've done since being at the Hospital."
Catholic Medical Center
"Exceptional does not even begin to cover the work that these people do. I have worked closely with other marketing firms and Brandit tops them every time. From innovative ideas to customer service that rivals the best of the best. I just couldn't speak more highly of them."
Southern New Hampshire University
"The Granite Group, headquartered in Concord, NH, distributes plumbing, heating, cooling, water and propane supplies to contractors and fuel dealers across New England through over 45 wholesale branches and their Online Store. The company also operates 15 retail showrooms under The Ultimate Bath Store name.
Brandit is pleased to say that we have been working with the Granite Group for over ten years which happens to be almost as long as this company has been in existence. In 2020, TGG was named one of New Hampshire's best places to work."
The Granite Group
10+ Year Partnership
"Over my long career, I have been in a position where I have worked closely with numerous vendors/suppliers. I can honestly say that I have never engaged with a company that is as amazing and responsive as Brandit."
"A sincere thanks to the team for the hustle on getting our shirts and tradeshow materials done for our group! You really relieved our pressure and I know it wasn't an easy task. Your effort and turnaround time was and is appreciated. Believe me when I say that I do not take for granted the relationship we have built over the years. Your service is top notch."
C&S Wholesale Grocers
"For almost a decade, the team at Brandit delivered successful and effective marketing solutions, spearheaded the merchandising of the FIRST brand by creating one-of-a-kind products, built, hosted, and managed their very first ecommerce store supporting all programs, staff, partners, sponsors, teams, and customers globally.
In addition, Brandit set up and managed multiple on-site retail stores at their premier Championship events where we serviced over 65,000 attendees. Today we provide web services as well as branded merchandise for regional partners".
FIRST Robotics
"The Brandit Marketing Solutions Ltd Team is wonderful to work with and we appreciate what they do to make us look good! They have expanded their services in recent years to meet whatever marketing needs you may have…from apparel and giveaway items to video and web services to graphic design and printing services, even graphic enhancements for your interior/exterior office space."
"I have worked with this team since the founding of their company and look forward to many more years of working together!"
Boys & Girls Club of Manchester
"The Brandit team is a talented group of creative professionals that I've worked with for years. Top notch!"
Art Murphy
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Omnichannel Marketing Solutions
Merging creativity and technology for comprehensive brand experiences.
PIXELS
Harnessing digital platforms for impactful brand promotion and audience engagement through strategic touchpoints.
PROMOS
Making the intangible tangible through high-quality promotional items that echo your brand's voice and values.
PLACES
Transforming physical environments into powerful brand narratives that forge connections with everyone who enters your space.