Eyewear Tariffs Face Industry Pushback - Summary - MDSpire
Commentary & Perspectives

Eyewear Tariffs Face Industry Pushback

Vision Council urges US Trade Representative to exclude eyewear from new Section 301 tariffs

  • May 13, 2026

  • 2 min

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The Vision Council has petitioned the USTR to exclude eyewear and optical products from new tariffs associated with Section 301 inquiries into structural excess capacity. During testimony on May 5, Director Omar Elkhatib emphasized that the optical industry operates on demand, as eyewear is a necessary medical product. The association cautioned that tariffs could raise costs for manufacturers and limit patient access to essential eyewear, potentially risking public health. The Vision Council urged for a comprehensive review of tariff impacts on medical devices.

Original Source(s)

Eyewear Tariffs Face Industry Pushback

  • May 13, 2026

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