Get the answers to your questions on how today's economic conditions will affect your current projects and timelines.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on trade news, you’ve seen the headlines: new tariffs are rolling out, and the ripple effects are hitting manufacturers across industries. So what does that mean for your Opto 22 systems? 

How will the new tariffs affect prices on Opto 22 products?

Because Opto 22 manufactures all its products in the United States, we have limited direct exposure to the tariffs. We don’t import finished goods, and the majority of our components are sourced domestically.

That said, we do purchase some electronics through distributors, and those components may originate overseas. Tariff costs are sometimes passed through in ways that aren’t immediately visible, for example, folded into pricing or added as separate fees.

But at the moment, semiconductors—one of the highest-value import categories—are not subject to new tariffs. There’s still a lot of uncertainty, and discussions are ongoing. For now, our strong inventory position gives us flexibility and time to respond thoughtfully, but we’re keeping a close eye on the situation.

Are there particular components of Opto 22 systems most affected by the tariffs?

So far, no specific component category has been directly affected, but semiconductors remain a question mark. They’re critical across the industry and currently exempt, though future changes are on the table.

Passive components like resistors and capacitors are more likely to be impacted, but given their low cost, any effect on overall pricing is negligible.

Will the tariffs impact product availability or lead times? If so, how?

We don’t anticipate immediate effects on availability or lead times for Opto 22 products. We maintain a sizable inventory of raw materials and finished goods, which helps buffer against supply disruptions. That strategy proved effective during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to protect us now. However, if trade tensions escalate, broader supply chain impacts are possible—especially for other manufacturers more reliant on overseas assembly or foreign-sourced components.

Are you working on any strategies to minimize tariff costs?

We take a long-term, steady approach. Having been in business for over 50 years, we focus on planning rather than reacting. Maintaining domestic control of our manufacturing and supply chain limits our exposure and gives us strong control over pricing and availability. Some components sourced through distributors may carry tariff-related costs, but overall, we expect the impact to be minimal.

What recommendations do you have for customers looking to secure stable pricing and supply for their automation technologies?

Customers benefit when they know where their systems are being built and how the components are sourced. Many automation manufacturers—whether based overseas or operating under U.S. brands—still rely heavily on offshore production and are more vulnerable to shifting tariffs and global disruptions. Choosing a domestic manufacturer with a strong history of meeting demand can help ensure stable pricing and avoid hidden risks from global volatility.

Remain calm, but plan ahead. We’ve used a 30/30/30 model—30 days of raw materials, 30 days of work-in-progress, and 30 days of finished goods—to maintain delivery consistency through uncertain times. This approach helped us maintain strong shipping performance through the pandemic and post-pandemic supply chain disruptions.

Here’s the TLDR: while the headlines may shift, your systems don’t have to. Opto 22’s U.S.-based manufacturing, thoughtful sourcing, and deep inventory strategy mean you can count on consistent pricing and delivery—even when the trade winds get choppy. If you're planning ahead, you're already ahead.