How Tariffs Impact Restaurant Supplies: What Every Owner Should Know in 2025

How Tariffs Impact Restaurant Supplies: What Every Owner Should Know in 2025

Introduction

Running a restaurant has never been easy, but in 2025, owners are facing unique challenges. Beyond staffing and food costs, tariffs on imported goods have become a hidden but significant factor influencing everyday operations. From takeout containers to commercial refrigeration equipment, these added taxes can directly increase your expenses and reduce profit margins.

The good news? With the right strategy, you can reduce the impact of tariffs and keep your business competitive. This guide explains what tariffs are, how they affect restaurant supplies, and how to prepare your restaurant for the future.

What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

Tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported goods. While they are meant to protect domestic industries, they can also increase the price of products that restaurants rely on every day.

  • Example 1: Plastic or paper takeout containers imported from Asia may be subject to tariffs of 10–25%, raising your packaging costs.

  • Example 2: Commercial refrigerators and freezers manufactured overseas can face added costs, sometimes increasing the purchase price by thousands of dollars.

For restaurants, these tariffs translate to higher operating costs, which can either eat into profits or force price increases that risk customer loyalty.

Tariffs and Takeout Containers

Takeout and delivery now represent a major revenue stream for restaurants, especially after the pandemic shifted customer behavior. But many packaging products—including microwaveable containers, eco-friendly bowls, and disposable cutlery—are imported.

  • Higher Costs: Even a small tariff increase can add significant costs when you’re buying thousands of containers each month.

  • Limited Alternatives: While domestic packaging options exist, they can be more expensive or less versatile.

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Tariffs have also affected biodegradable and compostable containers, which are often imported, creating an added challenge for restaurants looking to “go green.”

Tariffs and Commercial Refrigeration

Large equipment like reach-in refrigerators, prep tables, display coolers, and freezers often comes from global manufacturers.

  • High Upfront Costs: A 10–20% tariff can increase the purchase price of a refrigerator by $500–$2,000, depending on size and model.

  • Delayed Upgrades: Many restaurant owners delay replacing older equipment due to higher costs, which leads to breakdowns, food spoilage, and costly emergency repairs.

  • Energy Efficiency Trade-Off: Newer refrigeration units are often more energy-efficient. Delaying an upgrade can result in higher monthly utility bills that outweigh the savings from avoiding tariffs.

How Restaurants Can Reduce the Impact of Tariffs

Here are five practical strategies to manage tariff-related costs:

  1. Buy in Bulk
    Lock in lower unit pricing for takeout containers and secure inventory before new tariff increases take effect.

  2. Work with Local Distributors
    Companies like AITITOW often absorb some tariff costs and provide stable, predictable pricing for restaurants.

  3. Consider U.S.-Made Options
    While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, U.S.-made refrigeration and packaging products are not subject to import tariffs.

  4. Invest in Durability
    A refrigerator with a 7-year warranty on parts, labor, and compressor is far more cost-effective than replacing cheaper units every 2–3 years.

  5. Plan Ahead
    Tariffs often change with trade policy. By signing long-term supply contracts or working with distributors who have diverse supply chains, you can reduce your exposure to sudden price spikes.

Why AITITOW Is Your Advantage

At AITITOW, we understand the challenges tariffs create for restaurant owners. That’s why we provide:

  • Wholesale Takeout Containers: Affordable, durable, and microwave-safe packaging available in bulk to offset rising costs.

  • Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: From prep tables to reach-in refrigerators, our products are built to last and come with an industry-leading 7-year warranty.

  • Energy Efficiency: Our refrigeration solutions save on electricity costs, reducing your long-term expenses.

  • Reliable Supply Chain: We work with multiple global and domestic manufacturers, ensuring that tariff changes have minimal impact on your restaurant.

Actionable Tips for Restaurant Owners

  1. Audit your current packaging and refrigeration expenses to understand where tariffs affect you most.

  2. Compare suppliers and look for those offering long-term warranties and bulk pricing.

  3. Consider diversifying your packaging—offering both eco-friendly and cost-efficient options.

  4. Don’t delay replacing old refrigeration units; calculate the long-term savings from energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Tariffs are a reality for the restaurant industry in 2025, but they don’t have to cripple your business. By understanding how tariffs work and choosing reliable suppliers, you can control costs, protect your margins, and keep your restaurant running smoothly.

At AITITOW, we’re committed to helping restaurants and supermarkets thrive—even in a changing trade environment.

Call to Action:
Looking for stable pricing on restaurant supplies despite tariffs? Contact AITITOW todayfor a free quote and discover how we help businesses save money on both packaging and refrigeration.


Back to blog