A Trump Bible tariff could sharply increase Bible prices in the United States, as most Bibles are printed in China and face steep import duties.
The Donald Trump administration’s proposed 145% tariff on Chinese imports is expected to include Bibles unless they are explicitly exempted. Bibles typically require ultra-thin paper and specialized printing processes, which are largely unavailable in the U.S.
Over half of global Bible supply printed in China
According to The Wall Street Journal, Bible printing is heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturers. In 2023, Bible sales in the U.S. reached 14.2 million copies. Between January and October 2024, sales hit 13.7 million, a 22% increase over the same period the year before.
Experts say more than 50% of the world’s Bibles are printed in China. Christianity Today also notes that most Bibles sold in the U.S. are printed there, due to China’s advanced equipment and experience in handling complex Bible formatting.
HarperCollins, Southern Baptists face high China costs
Major U.S. publishers are heavily dependent on Chinese production. The Southern Baptist Convention reported that 31% of its Bible printing costs in 2019 were tied to China.
The nation’s largest Bible publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, owns Zondervan and Thomas Nelson. CEO Mark Schoenwald told The Wall Street Journal that the company spends approximately 75% of its Bible publishing budget in China. “We’re mobilizing across departments to respond to the tariff announcement,” he said.
Current Bible prices range from $20 to $50 for paperback editions, $50 to $150 for leather-bound versions, and over $150 for premium or study Bibles.
Tariff could hit ministries, outreach efforts
The Trump Bible tariff could strain churches and nonprofits that provide Bibles for free. Increased costs may limit outreach and mission activities. Consumers may also hesitate to buy due to higher prices.
During Trump’s first term, Bibles were exempted from a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. This time, however, no exemption has been confirmed. In February, a White House official told Ministry Watch that Bibles will not be excluded from the new tariff policy, heightening fears of price spikes.
Trump’s own Bible printed in China may face same costs
The tariff could also affect sales of Trump’s own branded Bible, the “God Bless the USA Bible”. Named after the patriotic song by Lee Greenwood, the edition includes the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.
Printed in China, the Bible is sold at a base price of $59.99, with a limited edition signed by Trump once listed at $1,000. Based on the lowest price point, total estimated sales could reach $7 million. According to AP-verified trade records, about 120,000 copies were exported in 2024 from a Hangzhou printing firm, with three shipments totaling $342,000.
Churches respond with caution, not confrontation
Religious groups have largely avoided direct political statements about the tariff. Instead, they’ve addressed broader economic concerns.
The Canadian Council of Churches issued an Ash Wednesday message amid rising U.S.-Canada tensions, warning of potential consequences from trade conflict. In the joint message, Catholic and Protestant leaders wrote: “As we begin [Lent this year], many Canadians carry a heavy burden of fear and uncertainty about the future.”
Earlier, Father Steven Pitts told Catholic outlet America that Catholics “should be concerned about how tariffs affect human dignity,” emphasizing the moral impact over politics.
BY YUHOE AN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
