LENZ REleases Positive Phase 3 Presbyopia Data

U.S. Court of International Trade Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs: What This Means for the Vision Industry

Gretchyn Bailey

Gretchyn Bailey

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jan 18, 2001
3,319
1,099
113
School/Org
ODwire
City
Lansdale
State
PA
Alexandria, VA — May 29, 2025 – In a significant ruling that stands to impact many in the vision industry, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a decision on May 28, 2025, permanently prohibiting all tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). These tariffs affected a wide range of imported goods, including materials and products relevant to the vision sector.

The Decision
The CIT has given the federal government 10 days to implement a process to halt the collection of IEEPA-related duties, which include:
  • The 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada
  • The 20 percent tariff on goods from China
  • “Reciprocal” tariffs currently at 10 percent, scheduled to increase to higher country-specific rates in July
While the ruling prohibits further collection of these tariffs unless a stay is granted, it does not mandate refunds for duties previously paid. A means for refunds, however, may become known once the decision on this issue is final.

What’s Next
The Trump administration has already filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and is expected to seek a stay of execution, which could temporarily reinstate the tariffs during litigation. If granted, this would allow for continued collection of IEEPA tariffs while the appeal proceeds, potentially all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

What This Means Today
  • At this time, all previously established duties remain in effect, as the government has 10 days to implement the court’s directive and a stay is anticipated.
  • Importantly, this decision does not impact Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, which remain in force under a separate statutory authority and are currently the subject of a separate legal appeal. Nor does it impact the Section 232 duties on steel or aluminum, or on automobiles and automobile parts.
As there is no immediate change in the collection of IEEPA duties, The Vision Council will not update its Tariff Dashboard (available to members only) until further developments occur.

The Vision Council’s Commitment to the Industry
“Fluctuating trade policies create real uncertainty for businesses across the vision industry, and we understand how challenging that can be,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “We remain committed to keeping our members informed, supported, and prepared to adapt. Our team is actively monitoring the ongoing legal developments, and we will continue to provide timely updates and resources. We encourage members to reach out to our Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs teams for guidance on how this ruling may affect their operations and supply chains.”

Resources for the Industry
In addition to its advocacy, The Vision Council offers a suite of resources to help members respond to the ongoing impacts of trade and tariff policy.
Contact for Member Support
Members with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to our team of experts:
The Vision Council will remain a dedicated resource and advocate for the vision community as this legal process evolves. We are committed to providing the insight, tools, and guidance our members need to navigate today’s complex trade environment.

# # #​


About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research, and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence and safety, better vision leads to better lives.
 
And they’re back…..

IMG_7107.png
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Jeffrey Kiener and Stephen McDaniel
Whether we should have no tariffs at all, massive tariffs everywhere, targeted industry specific tariffs....I don't know. People far smarter than I can debate that until the cows come home.

We can't have massive tariffs on or off based on court decisions and appeals that can swing week to week or even day to day in this case or even whether the president has a solid BM that morning or not.

But at some point, this has to come to an end.
 
Ken Elder said:
Whether we should have no tariffs at all, massive tariffs everywhere, targeted industry specific tariffs....I don't know. People far smarter than I can debate that until the cows come home.

We can't have massive tariffs on or off based on court decisions and appeals that can swing week to week or even day to day in this case or even whether the president has a solid BM that morning or not.

But at some point, this has to come to an end.
Click to expand...
Obviously no expert on the Judicial Branch and the role of checks and balances. i do find it interesting the Judicial Branch's high level of activism. I agree, we (as a whole) need get on or off the bus and stop waffling.
 
I saw Karoline Leavitt yesterday address Q&A's with the press. She made the point that the US has let so many manufacturing jobs of all types go offshore over the decades to the point where we have very little left that our people can produce. She sounded spot on.

In the meantime most of the frame companies we deal with had notified us that their frame prices are going up about 5-8% on May 1st/June 1st. Some mentioned a separate tarrif surcharge, but most just made it an outright price increase, which means there is no intention of ever taking it off if there were little or no tarrifs. We probably got the best letter from Continental which is a small company we use for budget eyewear. I am sure 100% of their frames are sourced from China. Heck even our Italian frames are probably assembled in Italy with components sourced in China.

My optician son commented last week that we just received some new Morel product, the longest eyewear company in the industry, based in the South of France, and now the hinges are crap, the temple is stamped made in China, and the wholesale prices is approach 100 bucks. I believe it was the Lightec line. Hoping they do not decontent the Öga line.
 
Update from The Vision Council.


Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Reinstates IEEPA Tariffs Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Alexandria, VA – May 30, 2025 – The Vision Council is providing an important update regarding the legal status of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Following the U.S. Court of International Trade's (CIT) May 28 ruling that permanently prohibited thesetariffs, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a temporary stay on May 29, allowing the continued collection of the tariffs during the government's appeal process.

Current Status of IEEPA Tariffs

As a result of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s order, the following tariffs remain in effect until further notice.
  • The 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada
  • The 20 percent tariff on goods from China
  • “Reciprocal” tariffs currently at 10 percent, scheduled to increase to higher country-specific rates in July
What’s Next
The appeals court has set a briefing schedule, with plaintiffs required to respond by June 5 and the Trump administration to reply by June 9. A decision on whether to grant a more permanent stay is expected following these submissions. If granted, these tariffs will continue to be collected throughout the appeals process, which could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

What to Know Today
  • All previously established duties remain in effect
  • Trade negotiations are ongoing and may affect current and future “reciprocal” tariff percentages
  • This decision does not impact:
    • Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, which remain in force under a separate statutory authority and are the subject of a separate legal appeal
    • Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and automobile parts

Given that there is no immediate change in IEEPA duties collection, The Vision Council will not update its Tariff Dashboard (available to members only) until further developments occur.

Resources for the Industry
In addition to its advocacy, The Vision Council offers a suite of resources to help members respond to the ongoing impacts of trade and tariff policy.
Contact for Member Support
Members with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to our team of experts:
The Vision Council will remain a dedicated resource and advocate for the vision community as this legal process evolves. We are committed to providing the insight, tools, and guidance our members need to navigate today’s complex trade environment.

# # #​
 
Joe DiGiorgio O.D. said:
I saw Karoline Leavitt yesterday address Q&A's with the press. She made the point that the US has let so many manufacturing jobs of all types go offshore over the decades to the point where we have very little left that our people can produce. She sounded spot on.

In the meantime most of the frame companies we deal with had notified us that their frame prices are going up about 5-8% on May 1st/June 1st. Some mentioned a separate tarrif surcharge, but most just made it an outright price increase, which means there is no intention of ever taking it off if there were little or no tarrifs. We probably got the best letter from Continental which is a small company we use for budget eyewear. I am sure 100% of their frames are sourced from China. Heck even our Italian frames are probably assembled in Italy with components sourced in China.

My optician son commented last week that we just received some new Morel product, the longest eyewear company in the industry, based in the South of France, and now the hinges are crap, the temple is stamped made in China, and the wholesale prices is approach 100 bucks. I believe it was the Lightec line. Hoping they do not decontent the Öga line.
Click to expand...
Most of the folks who will respond to these stories when we post them have never actually built any sort of product, or have been involved with international commerce, other than as end consumers. (hence the weird political rants vs. focusing on what is important here - the impact of what is happening on eye care.)

Based on my experience dealing with companies in the medical industry that have international supply chains, none of what is happening is good for anyone up and down the chain.

The people who actually make optical products -- like those frames -- are now scrambling, because not only will many have to find alternative suppliers for parts [like those aforementioned hinges], any new sources need to be reliable and [reasonably] affordable in order for the manufacturers to turn a profit. Which is the ultimate goal of any business.

Remember the US is just one market, and only 5% of the world's population. It is a big planet, and if it isn't economically viable for a company to sell here, they'll just shift elsewhere. It isn't 1952 any more.

Specs are kind of a universal product, and I'm certain the hinge supplier [wherever they are] is entertaining the idea of selling to other companies outside the US, where none of this mishigas is happening. We have already seen this in the electronics industry, where certain PC manufacturers just basically said "no" to the US market, and are sending their shipments elsewhere. Same idea.

In any event, I would expect prices to rise even if the tariffs aren't enforced just due to reduced efficiency and reduced supplier choice going forward.
 
AdminWolf said:
Most of the folks who will respond to these stories when we post them have never actually built any sort of product, or have been involved with international commerce, other than as end consumers. (hence the weird political rants vs. focusing on what is important here - the impact of what is happening on eye care.)

Based on my experience dealing with companies in the medical industry that have international supply chains, none of what is happening is good for anyone up and down the chain.

The people who actually make optical products -- like those frames -- are now scrambling, because not only will many have to find alternative suppliers for parts [like those aforementioned hinges], any new sources need to be reliable and [reasonably] affordable in order for the manufacturers to turn a profit. Which is the ultimate goal of any business.

Remember the US is just one market, and only 5% of the world's population. It is a big planet, and if it isn't economically viable for a company to sell here, they'll just shift elsewhere. It isn't 1952 any more.

Specs are kind of a universal product, and I'm certain the hinge supplier [wherever they are] is entertaining the idea of selling to other companies outside the US, where none of this mishigas is happening. We have already seen this in the electronics industry, where certain PC manufacturers just basically said "no" to the US market, and are sending their shipments elsewhere. Same idea.

In any event, I would expect prices to rise even if the tariffs aren't enforced just due to reduced efficiency and reduced supplier choice going forward.
Click to expand...
5% of the population, but roughly 30-40% of the global GDP (depending on the source) and THAT is what matters. To hear someone with an MBA try to dismiss such a simple economic reality is mindblowing. Sure, Africa has 1.5B people, but who CARES?? 40% live on less than $2 a day, so it’s not like they’re a target market for ANYTHING whereas even “poverty” in the US means something very different.

What you’re saying is just ludicrous. Our GDP is roughly twice that of China and almost twice the ENTIRETY of the EU combined. Yeah, I’m sure they’ll just “go elsewhere.”
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike Alvarez
Steven E. Nelson said:
5% of the population, but roughly 30-40% of the global GDP (depending on the source) and THAT is what matters. To hear someone with an MBA try to dismiss such a simple economic reality is mindblowing. Sure, Africa has 1.5B people, but who CARES?? 40% live on less than $2 a day, so it’s not like they’re a target market for ANYTHING whereas even “poverty” in the US means something very different.

What you’re saying is just ludicrous. Our GDP is roughly twice that of China and almost twice the ENTIRETY of the EU combined. Yeah, I’m sure they’ll just “go elsewhere.”
Click to expand...
This is factually incorrect. The US is 26% of global GDP. Market size aside, if governments engage in activity which make business difficult (ie, behave unpredictably) at some point it is easier to do business elsewhere. We have already seen this in the tech industry.

Pharmacists are worried that this is going to happen to several generic drugs as another example. Markets do not like unpredictability. Supply chains like it even less.
 
AdminWolf said:
This is factually incorrect. The US is 26% of global GDP. Market size aside, if governments engage in activity which make business difficult (ie, behave unpredictably) at some point it is easier to do business elsewhere. We have already seen this in the tech industry.

Pharmacists are worried that this is going to happen to several generic drugs as another example. Markets do not like unpredictability. Supply chains like it even less.
Click to expand...
It depends on the source. Google AI says 26%, but I've read as high as 40% and that varies by sector where we're actually much higher in some areas.

It's interesting given your political leanings and how you vote to hear you all of a sudden rail against things that make business difficult. Either way, I'm sure pharmacists are worried about it under the way things CURRENTLY run because the rest of the world gets sweetheart deals on those meds while WE pay the price and they'd be RIGHT if these things happened in a vacuum and the President wasn't ALSO pushing for us to have "preferred nation status" on our drug pricing.

You can't look at one aspect all by itself when there are multifactorial deals happening simultaneously. I shouldn't have to tell this to an MBA.
 
Steven E. Nelson said:
It depends on the source. Google AI says 26%, but I've read as high as 40% and that varies by sector where we're actually much higher in some areas.
Click to expand...
You are missing the point completely - it is about predictability.
This is what business cares about more than anything. Emotional, nebulous language like "sweetheart deals" has nothing to do with it.

I'm not sure why I'm even responding at this point.
 
AdminWolf said:
You are missing the point completely - it is about predictability.
This is what business cares about more than anything. Emotional, nebulous language like "sweetheart deals" has nothing to do with it.

I'm not sure why I'm even responding at this point.
Click to expand...
No, YOU'RE missing the point. We have an untenable situation with trade AND drug pricing (since you brought that into the equation) and "preferred nation status" is neither emotional nor nebulous and has a very specific definition.

As the Democrats have LONG said, the only way to address the trade issues is with tariffs ESPECIALLY in a global market where they're insanely lopsided. Having a market where we're "predictably screwed" isn't good for the country OR a market where we're basically the largest single consumer of goods. The only reason you're all against it now and turned on a dime is who's doing it.

I understand that the STOCK MARKET likes predictability, but what business likes is growth (if we're going to buy into the truly nebulous idea of "business" being an entity). Those two things CAN exist simultaneously, but sometimes one has some adjustments while the other sorts itself through sound economic policy. What's frustrating is that after January, the stock market became the sole metric for the economy completely ignoring every OTHER thing. This is politics, Adam. I know you think you're above such things, but you're no different than anyone else.
 
Steven E. Nelson said:
No, YOU'RE missing the point. We have an untenable situation with trade AND drug pricing (since you brought that into the equation) and "preferred nation status" is neither emotional nor nebulous and has a very specific definition.

As the Democrats have LONG said, the only way to address the trade issues is with tariffs ESPECIALLY in a global market where they're insanely lopsided. Having a market where we're "predictably screwed" isn't good for the country OR a market where we're basically the largest single consumer of goods. The only reason you're all against it now and turned on a dime is who's doing it.

I understand that the STOCK MARKET likes predictability, but what business likes is growth (if we're going to buy into the truly nebulous idea of "business" being an entity). Those two things CAN exist simultaneously, but sometimes one has some adjustments while the other sorts itself through sound economic policy. What's frustrating is that after January, the stock market became the sole metric for the economy completely ignoring every OTHER thing. This is politics, Adam. I know you think you're above such things, but you're no different than anyone else.
Click to expand...
Again, you don't understand this issue at all.

I actually have had these issues in real life -- developing a product sourced with multi-national components (and even raw minerals), assembled internationally, then re-imported into the US. I've seen this process first-hand. Had to deal with suppliers, and customs in Anchorage. I know how this works.

And there is nothing worse than unpredictability - because it cannot be easily planned for. And even when you can plan for it, it causes costs to go through the roof by necessity. Expect that if this instability continues, inflation will follow. Which is again why this is germane to eye care -- do not expect suppliers to start dropping their prices rapidly, even if the tariffs are removed.
 
US core inflation rises less
than forecast for fourth month
Augusta Saraiva, Bloomberg News
Underlying U.S. inflation rose in May by less than forecast for the fourth month in a row, suggesting companies are largely holding back on passing higher tariff costs through to consumers.
The consumer price index, excluding the often volatile food and energy categories, increased 0.1% from April, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data out Wednesday. From a year ago, it rose 2.8%.
Goods prices, excluding food and energy commodities, were unchanged. New and used-car prices both declined, as did apparel. Meanwhile, services prices minus energy rose 0.2%, a deceleration from the prior month and reflecting a decline in airfares and hotel stays.
Treasuries rallied, the dollar declined and the S&P 500 opened higher after the report. Interest-rate swaps showed traders see a 75% probability that the Federal Reserve will cut borrowing costs by September.
The string of below-forecast inflation readings adds to evidence that consumers have yet to feel the pinch of President Donald Trump’s tariffs — perhaps because the most punitive levies have temporarily been on pause, or thanks to companies so far absorbing the extra costs or boosting inventory ahead of tariffs.
However, if higher tariffs set in, shielding consumers from those costs will become more difficult, which is partly why economists expect firms to raise prices more meaningfully in the coming months.
“The build-up of inventory in advance of the tariff hikes may be contributing to delayed pass through, while huge uncertainty in U.S. trade policy may have affected the speed with which firms wish to adjust prices,” Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch Ratings, said in a note. “But a rise in core goods inflation in the months ahead still looks very likely.”
The risk is that consumers, who are still reeling from years of elevated inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic, will only tolerate so much and eventually pull back spending. Companies like JM Smucker Co. — which owns brands like Folgers coffee and Twinkies — as well as Best Buy Co. have said that will weigh on profit, at the same time forecasters see slower economic growth.
Given the limited pass-through to inflation so far, a steady labor market and continued uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policies, the Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold at next week’s meeting. Nonetheless, with inflation cooling along with the labor market, officials may face more pressure to lower borrowing costs soon.
“For the Fed, the most important caveat is that it’s still a little early,” said Mike Pugliese, senior economist for Wells Fargo. “I don’t think they’re going to put too much weight on one single month’s report given how much has happened over the past couple months.”
Some categories more exposed to higher import duties did show notable increases. Prices of toys rose by the most since 2023, while the costs of major appliances posted the largest advance in nearly five years.
Meanwhile, prices of gasoline — which aren’t included in the core CPI — dropped 2.6%, helping to limit the gain in the overall CPI.
In testimony prepared for a Congress hearing on Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent credited Trump’s policies for the inflation slowdown, saying the president challenged a “decades-old status quo” on trade.
Grocery prices
However, prices for groceries rose 0.3% after declining in April. While shoppers saw higher costs for cereals, fish and bacon, egg prices dropped almost 3%. Ground beef prices rose, likely stemming from a record low cattle herd and high demand.
One of the key drivers of inflation in recent years has been housing costs — the largest category within services. Shelter prices rose 0.3% for a second month.
Excluding housing and energy, services prices rose 0.1%, a deceleration from the prior month. From a year ago, those costs advanced 2.9%. In addition to declines in travel-related categories, recreational services, including admissions to sporting events, also declined in a sign of a pullback in discretionary spending.
While central bankers have stressed the importance of looking at such a metric when assessing the overall inflation trajectory, they compute it based on a separate index.
That measure — known as the personal consumption expenditures price index — doesn’t put as much weight on shelter as the CPI, which helps explain why it’s trending closer to the Fed’s 2% target. A government report on producer prices due Thursday will offer insights on additional categories that feed directly into the PCE, which is scheduled for later this month.
In addition to seeking fairness in bilateral commerce and shoring up national industrial security, the Trump administration says tariffs will help stoke domestic manufacturing and investment over the longer term. Critics say that the tariffs themselves are actually adding to a host of challenges already inhibiting reshoring.
Inflation outlook
Going forward, retailers like Walmart Inc. and Target Corp. have warned of higher prices, as have carmakers including Ford Motor Co. and Subaru Corp. A Fed survey of economic activity last week showed prices advanced at a “moderate” pace across the U.S. in recent weeks, with some regions expecting future increases to be “strong, significant, or substantial.”
Much of the outlook depends on how trade talks evolve. The U.S. and China have reached a consensus to de-escalate their trade war. The temporary agreement that’s currently in place has already helped lower several measures of consumers’ inflation expectations.
Central bankers also pay close attention to wage growth, as it can help inform expectations for consumer spending — the main engine of the economy. A separate report Wednesday that combines the inflation figures with recent wage data showed real average hourly earnings climbed 1.4% from the year before.
———
(With assistance from Chris Middleton, Matthew Boesler, Reade Pickert, Mark Niquette and Jonnelle Marte.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Visionix
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Webinars
Menu