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The U.S.-China trade war has escalated to a critical phase in 2025, with tariffs on Chinese imports reaching unprecedented levels, demanding immediate attention.
The dietary supplement industry, heavily reliant on raw herbal ingredients and botanicals from China, is at the forefront of this need for adaptation.
This article delves into the top 20 raw supplements imported from China. I’ll analyze how the industry is being forced to adapt to the disruptions and increased costs brought about by the new tariffs.
The Tariff Landscape: Still a 145% Barrier to Entry?
April 2025 saw the U.S. imposing a staggering 145% tariff on most Chinese goods, including botanical raw materials. This move, part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, has had a profound impact on the dietary supplement industry.
Though a 90-day pause later reduced rates to 30%, the damage was already done: importers faced skyrocketing costs, and supply chains braced for long-term instability. Unlike synthetic vitamins or amino acids-some of which received exemptions-traditional Chinese herbs, mushrooms, and animal-derived extracts were subject to the full tariff burden.
With China dominating global production of many botanicals, the impact of the U.S.-China trade war extends beyond U.S. manufacturers, practitioners, and consumers. The global dietary supplement market is now grappling with higher prices and potential shortages due to the tariffs.
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Ancient Remedies, Modern Tariffs
Retailers report stockpiling ahead of the tariff hikes, but long-term shortages loom.
Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)
Goji berries, a staple in immune and eye health formulas, are imported as dried fruit or powdered extracts. China produces over 80% of the global supply, and U.S. tariffs have pushed prices up by 30–45%, with no viable alternatives.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Chinese ginseng, a revered adaptogen, is imported as dried roots or slices. Despite limited U.S. cultivation in Wisconsin, tariffs have inflated costs by 35–45%, squeezing smaller supplement brands reliant on Chinese sourcing.
Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus)
This immune-support herb faces similar challenges. With minimal domestic production, U.S. importers absorb tariff-driven price hikes, passing costs to consumers.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Licorice, used in digestive and respiratory formulas, is primarily sourced from China. Tariffs have compounded existing supply issues caused by Chinese export restrictions, leading to a 40% price increase in 2025.
Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)
Processed Fo-Ti root, a longevity tonic, is nearly exclusive to China. Tariffs have disrupted shipments, with some U.S. retailers reporting delays of up to six months.
Functional Mushrooms: A Mycelium of Challenges
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Cordyceps, a fungus prized for energy and respiratory support, is almost entirely sourced from China’s high-altitude regions. Tariffs have raised extract prices by 50%, with no alternative suppliers able to match China’s scale.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushrooms, used for immune modulation, face a 30% tariff. While some U.S. farms grow reishi, they lack the extraction infrastructure China offers, making imports unavoidable for high-quality extracts.
Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile)
This orchid-derived supplement, used in traditional “yin tonics,” is exclusively sourced from China. Tariffs have doubled its cost, prompting some brands to reformulate products.
Modern Extracts and Animal-Derived Ingredients
Collagen Peptides
China is a leading producer of bovine and marine collagen. Tariffs have increased bulk powder costs by 25%, forcing U.S. brands to seek pricier Brazilian or European alternatives.
Deer Antler Velvet
Used in joint and vitality supplements, deer antler extracts are subject to tariffs, raising prices by 40%. Domestic U.S. sourcing remains limited due to regulatory hurdles.
Donkey-Hide Gelatin (Ejiao)
Ejiao, a blood-tonic gelatin, relies on Chinese donkey farms. Tariffs have spiked prices by 50%, with ethical concerns about donkey sourcing further complicating imports.
Industry Responses: Stockpiling, Sourcing Shifts, and Advocacy
Major suppliers like Nuherbs and Jiaherb began stockpiling raw materials in late 2024, anticipating tariff hikes.
However, warehousing costs and limited shelf lives for certain herbs make this a short-term fix. Some companies are exploring partnerships in India and Eastern Europe, but quality and scalability issues persist.
Trade groups like the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) play a crucial role in the industry’s response to the tariffs. They advocate for exemptions, arguing that tariffs harm consumers reliant on affordable supplements. Their efforts highlight the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges faced by the dietary supplement industry.
The Road Ahead: Sustainability or Stagnation?
The U.S. supplement industry faces a paradox: tariffs aim to boost domestic production, but replicating China’s agricultural and processing infrastructure could take decades. For example, functional mushroom extraction requires specialized facilities, while herbs like astragalus need years to mature.
In the interim, consumers will bear the brunt through higher prices and limited availability.
Conclusion
The 2025 tariffs have upended the U.S. supplement industry’s reliance on Chinese raw materials. While the 90-day pause offers temporary relief, long-term solutions remain elusive.
Brands must navigate higher costs, supply chain bottlenecks, and consumer demand for transparency.
As trade policies evolve, the industry’s resilience will depend on diversification, innovation, and advocacy, but for now, China’s botanical dominance seems to remain unchallenged.
