Beyond the Book: How Tariffs Are Impacting Book Manufacturing

Trade policy is moving faster than most of us can track, and the ripple effects reach across the entire book supply chain—from paper and printing to customs and sourcing. Join Jack Stevens (Woodland) and Matt Baehr (BMI) for a timely, plain-language briefing on where things stand right now and what book industry professionals should be watching.

Tariffs and trade policy have become a moving target, with new measures, exemptions, and reversals arriving on an almost weekly basis. For an industry built on international supply chains where paper, ink, equipment, and finished books all cross borders, staying oriented is critical. 

In this free industry update, BISG will host Jack Stevens of Woodland Group and Matt Baehr of the Book Manufacturers' Institute in offering a grounded, up-to-the-moment look at the current tariff landscape and what it means for the book supply chain. Because this area is evolving so quickly, the conversation will reflect the state of affairs as of the session date—cutting through the headlines to focus on what's real, what's still uncertain, and what deserves attention now.

This session will explore practical questions such as:

• Where things currently stand on tariffs affecting books and book manufacturing

• How trade measures are hitting inputs like paper, ink, and equipment—even where finished books remain exempt

• What the downstream effects could mean for printers, publishers, and ultimately retailers

• What professionals across the supply chain should be watching in the weeks ahead

Designed as an informational update rather than a how-to on managing impact, this webinar aims to give attendees an accurate, grounded read on a fast-moving situation. As with all BISG sessions, there will be time for questions, shared perspectives, and discussion.

Who Should Attend

This session is for anyone trying to make sense of the tariff landscape and what it means for the book supply chain, including:

• Manufacturing and production leaders—printers, binderies, and production staff tracking input costs and sourcing

• Publishers—of all sizes, wanting to understand how trade policy could affect production costs and planning

• Supply chain and operations professionals—weighing sourcing decisions and downstream cost implications

• Executives and decision-makers—who need a grounded read on real exposure versus headline risk

• Service providers and industry partners—distributors, logistics providers, vendors, and associations tracking the same shifting landscape

Come whether you're deep in sourcing decisions or simply trying to stay informed. No specialized trade background required—just an interest in understanding what's happening and why.

About the Speakers

JACK STEVENS serves as the President of Woodland Global USA, overseeing U.S. operations and managing a team of over 100 staff across six locations since October 2017. Prior to this role, Jack held positions such as Business Optimization Manager and Digital Projects Manager at Woodland, where responsibilities included implementing best practices, enhancing digital platforms, and optimizing staff and customer experiences.

MATT BAEHR is the Executive Director of the Book Manufacturers' Institute (BMI), where he has served as chief executive since 2017, leading the longstanding trade association for book manufacturers and their suppliers. He holds an MBA from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree from the Catholic University of America, and lives in Bradenton, Florida with his wife Mary and three children.

About This Session

This webinar will be offered free of charge. While the conversation will be recorded and shared with registrants afterward, we encourage you to attend live to take part in the discussion. If you have specific questions you'd like us to cover, you may send them in advance to info@bisg.org or add them to the chat during the session.