Navigating Tile Tariffs: How to Stay on Budget and Make Smart Choices for Your Home Remodel

Remodeling your home is an exciting journey — one filled with Pinterest boards, paint samples, and dreams of a transformed space. But amidst all the creativity and planning, there’s one curveball homeowners may be unprepared for right now: tariffs on imported building materials, including tile. At Tango Tile, we know how confusing and frustrating this can be, so we’re here to help you make sense of it all and empower you to make the best decisions for your budget and style.

What Are Tile Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

Tile tariffs are taxes placed on imported tiles, typically as part of larger trade policies. Most of the ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles sold in the United States are imported — often from countries like China, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Brazil. When tariffs are applied to these imports, the cost to bring them into the country rises, which can then be passed on to you, the consumer.

Currently, tariffs on imported tile products range from 10% to 50%, depending on the country of origin and the specific materials. These rates fluctuate due to ongoing trade negotiations and changing international policies. For example:

Chinese tiles are now subject to 25% tariffs for the next 90 days due to a trade truce.
European imports like Italian, Spanish and Portuguese tiles are currently facing 20% tariffs.
Southeast Asian tiles from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia bring anywhere from 32-46% tariffs.

These complexities can make tile shopping feel like a moving target. That’s why it’s important to work with a supplier who stays on top of these changes — and that’s where Tango Tile comes in.

How Tango Tile Helps You Navigate the Confusion

At Tango Tile, we constantly monitor changes in tariffs, supply chain issues, and market pricing to ensure that we’re offering our customers the most accurate, fair, and competitive prices possible.

We work directly with a curated network of trusted suppliers around the globe, and we stay nimble. If tariffs spike in one region, we can quickly shift our focus to another, helping to minimize the impact on your remodel budget. This agility means that whether you’re looking for sleek Italian porcelain or rustic Spanish ceramic, we can help you find an alternative if prices are affected by trade policy.

We’re also transparent about how pricing works — so you’ll never be surprised by sudden jumps in costs due to tariffs. Our goal is to give you all the information you need upfront to make confident, informed decisions.

Tips for Homeowners: Stay Stylish and on Budget

While tariffs can create unpredictability, there are still plenty of ways to stay within budget while achieving your design goals. Here are our top tips for savvy tile shopping during uncertain times:

1. Be Open to Alternative Materials

If the cost of your dream tile is higher than expected due to tariffs or shipping, consider materials that offer a similar aesthetic at a better price point:

Wood-look porcelain tile offers the warm, organic appearance of hardwood floors with the durability and water resistance of tile. It’s perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas.
Natural Stone-look porcelain tiles come in almost any stone material imaginable and have been improved to the point that they cannot be distinguished from real stone.
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are another excellent alternative, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-install option that mimics wood or stone — plus it’s kid- and pet-friendly!

These alternatives are not just budget-friendly — they’re also practical and beautiful. Many of our customers fall in love with these options and never look back!

2. Consider Domestic Tile Options

Some stunning tiles are made right here in the USA. Domestic options are generally not affected by international tariffs, and they often come with shorter lead times and lower shipping costs. Ask us about American-made collections — you might be surprised by the range of styles and textures available.

3. Plan Ahead and Order Early

Tariffs aren’t the only factor influencing tile costs — global shipping disruptions, customs delays, and demand spikes can also impact availability and pricing. To avoid last-minute stress:

Finalize your tile choices as early as possible in your remodeling timeline.
Order ahead to account for any potential delays.
Talk to your contractor about storage options if your tile arrives before installation begins.

Ordering early ensures you lock in pricing before any new tariff changes take effect, and it gives you flexibility in your project schedule.

4. Get Creative with Tile Placement

If you’re set on a higher-end tile that stretches your budget, you don’t have to use it everywhere. Think of it as a design feature:

Use premium tile as a backsplash or accent wall.
Mix it with more affordable base tiles.
Create a “wow” moment in a small space like a powder room or shower niche.
Avoid patterns that inherently use more square footage such as herringbone or chevron vs. planks.

This strategy lets you incorporate luxurious materials without breaking the bank.

5. Work With a Trusted Tile Partner

When you shop at a big-box store, you’re on your own to sort through changing prices, tariff impacts, and supply chain issues. But at Tango Tile, you’re not just buying a product — you’re gaining a team that’s rooting for your success.

We provide personalized guidance, custom samples, and honest advice about what’s in stock, what’s affected by tariffs, and what alternatives might be better for your budget and timeline.

Our team is just a phone call or email away — and we love helping homeowners find creative solutions. No pressure, no upselling — just thoughtful support from people who are passionate about design and detail.

Design With Confidence, Even in Uncertain Times

Tariffs may be out of your control, but they don’t have to derail your dream remodel. By staying flexible, working with experienced suppliers, and exploring creative alternatives, you can create a space that’s both beautiful and budget-smart.

At Tango Tile, we’re with you every step of the way in this process. Whether you’re renovating a single room or planning a whole-house transformation, we’ll help you navigate the pricing landscape — tariffs and all — with clarity and confidence.

Ready to get started? Browse our unique, carefully curated tile collections, request free samples, or reach out to our design team for personalized recommendations. Let’s make your vision a reality — no matter what the global trade winds may bring.