It looks like Trump is going ahead, if he does not change his mind again, with his tariffs in the next few weeks which include those countries, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Guatemala that produce Dunlop latex foam.
I’m assuming mattress companies have added extra stock in anticipation of this, but who will cover the tariff costs when it does hit? Will the mattress companies absorb some of it or will they pass it on to the consumer?
New U.S. tariffs going into effect in August 2025 will impact latex mattress materials from the countries you mentioned, with some notable variations depending on the country of origin:
Sri Lanka: As of August 2025, the U.S. is imposing a 20% tariff on exports from Sri Lanka, which includes latex foam and Dunlop latex used in mattresses. This is an increase from the previous 10% and means latex sourced from Sri Lanka will now face a significant tariff at U.S. customs.
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand: These Southeast Asian countries will now face a 19% tariff rate on most exports, including latex foam and related mattress components. Specifically, these new duties are part of the U.S. government’s move to address ongoing trade deficits and apply broadly to consumer goods—latex and latex foam are included.
India: While Indian mattress and bedding materials can be subject to tariffs, there is little indication of a new, specific rate hike exclusively on latex for India as of early August 2025. However, many general mattress and furniture components sourced from India have already been affected by previous rounds of Trump’s tariffs, with baseline rates around 10%. It’s advisable to check import documentation or with your retailer if the product is specifically Indian latex, as some exceptions or modifications may apply.
Guatemala: There is no clear evidence that Guatemala faces the same elevated new tariff rate as the Southeast Asian nations, but as a non-exempt developing country, it could see baseline tariffs in the 10-15% range; you should verify with your vendor if Guatemalan latex is included in the new tariff list.
Some earlier sources suggested Sri Lankan latex was exempt, but this is no longer the case. Sri Lanka has now been aligned with other high-volume foam producers and faces a 20% tariff.
The majority of imported latex mattress components from the nations listed above should be considered subject to the new tariffs unless specifically exempted by product category or U.S. Customs regulation.
If you are seeking to avoid tariffs, look for U.S.-made latex or request a certificate of origin that confirms non-subject countries. Some mattress brands will highlight “tariff-free” supply chains as a sales point.
In summary: If you plan to purchase a latex mattress made with Dunlop latex foam sourced from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, or likely India, you should expect the new U.S. tariffs to apply—ranging from 19% to 20% on these imports. For Guatemala, the situation is less certain but there may still be baseline tariffs. Expect prices for imported latex mattresses and toppers to rise as these tariffs are implemented.
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Hi BobP,
As the latex landscape changes, here are some ways to help minimize cost. Look for USA made Talalay latex (there’s no Dunlop made in the USA that I know of) like Talalay Global (formerly Latex International). They manufacture their Talalay latex in Shelton, Connecticut. Some of their materials are imported from overseas, so you may see a price increase anyhow. You may also look at the Canadian latex market which should be exempt of new tarrifs with the added benefit of the great exchange rate.
I hope this helps!
Cheers
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Thanks for the very in depth reply.
There is a company in PA called Mountain Top Foam that manufactures Dunlop latex foam. Their raw latex is imported from overseas so that would increase their prices. I do not know how much Dunlop latex foam they supply to US matress companies.
I agree, as you posted, Talalay latex foam, natural and synthetic/natural prices will also be affected by the tariffs.
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It’s a complicated maze.
Several of our latex lines are made in Canada and protected by our trade agreement with Canada, thankfully. The latex comes from Sri Lanka, but since it is going to Canada, those lines are not affected by tariffs.