Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of Tariffs on PNW Custom Materials

Few industries are immune to sudden shifts in supply chains and the aquarium hobby is no exception. Recent tariffs imposed on rare earth metals have sent ripples across multiple sectors, from consumer electronics to renewable energy. Even the niche market of aquarium materials has been caught in the crosscurrent, and the tariffs ultimately shape product availability and pricing at PNW Custom.

Made in the USA, But Not Immune to Tariffs

At PNW Custom, our innovative products such as premium frag racks are both designed and proudly handcrafted in the United States. Our team fabricators build each piece with precision and care in our Pacific Northwest shop, ensuring an unmatched level of quality and attention to detail. However, while the craftsmanship stays local, the raw materials that make up these products such as acrylic sheets, neodymium magnets, and specialty plastics often originate from global supply chains. With the recent tariffs impacting imports of key materials, especially rare earth metals and certain plastics, we are seeing increased costs and longer lead times for the resources we rely on. Though we manufacture our products by hand here at home, these external factors can influence both production timelines and material pricing. Our commitment is to remain transparent about these challenges while continuing to deliver exceptional, American-made products.

Rare earth metals, such as neodymium, are key components in the production of PNW Custom magnets. These neodymium magnets are widely used across the industry in magnetic algae scrapers, frag racks, feeding stations, and more. Their superior strength-to-size ratio makes them invaluable for hobbyists who need tools that work seamlessly inside and outside glass or acrylic tanks. PNW Custom magnets are unique because of the two layers that make them fully reef-safe. They are both epoxy-coated and fully encased in acrylic for a second layer of protection.

Starting May 15th, 2025, we will be updating our prices to reflect the current increases in material cost. We are committed to supplying high quality items at the lowest price we can manufacture.

Current Tariffs on Rare Earth Metals

As of April 9, 2025, the 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods came into effect. Given that China produces around 90% of the world's rare earth metals, this quickly has a huge impact of the availability and affordability of magnets. China responded by imposing export controls on a range of critical rare earth minerals and magnets, dealing a major blow to the US.

The combination of increased tariffs from the Trump administration and China's export suspension has led to supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and concerns over the availability of critical components for various sectors, including the aquarium industry. This has led to inventory shortages at both wholesale and retail levels. Some businesses are rationing stock, limiting the availability of certain accessories, or switching to alternative designs that use suction cups or other components to replace magnets, though these are notably less effective.

Impact on Acrylic Availability and Pricing

The recent tariffs also had a noticeable ripple effect on the availability and pricing of acrylic sheets and plastics, materials that are foundational to many aquariums and aquarium accessories, including those we create at PNW Custom. These tariffs, which target a range of imported goods from countries heavily involved in raw material production and plastic manufacturing, have increased the cost of importing both base resins and finished acrylic sheets. As a result, domestic suppliers are facing higher expenses, longer lead times, and tighter inventories. This strain on the supply chain means that prices for acrylic and other plastics have risen steadily, and sourcing specialty colors or thicknesses has become more challenging.

Our Commitment to You

At PNW Custom, we believe that trust is built on transparency, especially when the market is volatile. We also understand the importance of maintaining the high quality of our products. Unlike other businesses, we promise to not use cheaper alternatives in place of the higher quality materials we already implement.

With the recent introduction of new tariffs on rare earth metals and acrylics, we want our community to know that we are committed to keeping you fully informed. As these tariffs impact the costs of components, we will clearly communicate any future adjustments in our pricing. We will monitor the pricing structure of our materials to accurately reflect the current market, including lowering prices when materials costs come down. Our priority is to ensure you understand not just when changes happen, but why, and how we are working hard to minimize their impact. By maintaining open lines of communication, we aim to continue earning your confidence while delivering the innovative, high-quality aquariums and accessories you've come to expect from us.