The Trump Administration has long used tariffs as a trade cudgel, targeting trade allies like Canada and Mexico with tariffs to address perceived trade irritants. Multiple sources have told Vitamin Retailer that the Trump tariff situation is untenable, as it is causing significant industry disruption and uncertainty. Now, amid tariffs roiling the VMS industry, the administration seems to be flip-flopping on potential tariffs on the European Union.
Yahoo! Finance reported on May 26, 2025 that after a weekend phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Trump Administration had decided to push back the implementation of a 50 percent tariff on EU goods to July 9, instead of the previous June 1 implementation date. The European Union is readying $108 billion in retaliatory tariffs if trade negotiations fail, indicating that a deal is far from a sure thing.
This trade uncertainty is making it difficult for VMS manufacturers to plan product launches, manage pricing, and source ingredients—and for retailers to stock and price products. Multiple sources have told Vitamin Retailer that the potential impacts could mean supply chain disruptions and empty shelves. As the tariff situation evolves, manufacturers and retailers will need to be ready to act quickly if tariffs are repealed and exercise caution if tariffs increase.
