China Tariffs and Why to Buy U.S. COVID Rapid Tests
As U.S.-China trade tensions escalate in 2025, new tariffs are expected to impact a wide range of imported products, including health-related goods such as rapid COVID-19 testing kits. Among the most widely used of these is the iHealth rapid antigen test, a product manufactured in China and distributed globally.
The Biden and now Trump administrations have increasingly focused on securing domestic supply chains for critical health tools. With tariffs on Chinese imports rising, consumers may soon feel the financial effects of these changes in the form of higher costs or reduced availability of some foreign-made rapid COVID tests. Rapid tests remain a vital tool in the medicine cabinet for ongoing infection cycles of COVID-19. Be sure to stay stocked up with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.
This article breaks down how tariffs will likely affect iHealth testing products and explains why purchasing U.S.-developed rapid COVID-19 tests is a smart move for consumers and public health.
iHealth COVID Tests: Popular but Vulnerable to Tariff Impact
iHealth Labs, based in California, sources much of its test production from China. Since the beginning of the pandemic, iHealth’s rapid COVID-19 antigen tests have been among the most affordable and widely used in the U.S.
However, these kits rely heavily on international manufacturing, including key components such as:
- Antigen reagents
- Absorbent swabs
- Test cassettes and packaging
As tariffs increase on Chinese medical imports, iHealth’s cost of production will likely rise. That could mean:
- Higher retail prices for consumers
- Delays in availability if supply chains are disrupted
- Reduced stock at pharmacies and retail outlets
Rising Costs Could Hurt Public Health
Affordable access to rapid COVID-19 testing remains a pillar of disease surveillance and prevention. Rapid tests help individuals:
- Detect COVID-19 infections early
- Avoid exposing others during travel or gatherings
- Support return-to-work and school protocols
If tariffs make foreign-sourced tests less accessible, that could discourage people from testing regularly, particularly in underserved communities.
Get ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19 Test kits here.
U.S.-Developed Tests: Reliable, Accessible, and Tariff-Free
Buying American-made rapid tests offers multiple benefits in the current trade environment:
1. No Added Tariff Costs
Products developed and manufactured in the U.S. are not subject to import tariffs, which helps maintain consistent pricing. This is especially important in 2025, as the government tightens restrictions on China-sourced healthcare goods.
2. Faster Supply Chain Response
Domestic production allows for quicker restocking and delivery of rapid tests, especially during case surges or seasonal outbreaks. Shorter shipping times and reduced customs complications are major advantages.
3. More Robust Regulatory Oversight
U.S.-developed tests go through FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or full approval with greater transparency and data disclosure. Consumers can trust the safety, accuracy, and manufacturing quality of American-made COVID-19 diagnostic tools.
4. Supports Local Innovation and Jobs
Purchasing American-made test kits contributes to the growth of domestic biotech and diagnostics sectors—critical industries for national pandemic preparedness.
Why Rapid Testing Still Matters in 2025
Although COVID-19 is now considered endemic in many regions, it remains a dynamic and evolving threat. New variants, such as XEC and KP.2, continue to circulate, with seasonal spikes still occurring.
Rapid testing remains a first line of defense in managing outbreaks. It plays a vital role in:
- Detecting infection early
- Preventing workplace transmission
- Reducing unnecessary isolation for those who test negative
Get your ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID Tests here.
Trusted U.S.-Made Test Options
American-developed tests approved by the FDA include products that:
- Offer results in 15 minutes or less
- Maintain high sensitivity and specificity
- Are designed for easy home use
These products may be priced competitively with Chinese-made alternatives, especially once tariffs are factored in.
The Bigger Picture: Pandemic Readiness and Trade Independence
One of the key lessons from COVID-19 is the importance of supply chain resilience. Relying on international sources—especially those subject to geopolitical tensions—can leave a country vulnerable in times of crisis.
Tariffs may present short-term price increases for certain products, but they are also intended to incentivize local production and reduce dependence on potentially unstable foreign supply chains. Health officials and policymakers agree that boosting domestic manufacturing capacity is critical for:
- Pandemic preparedness
- Biodefense
- Public health sovereignty
Final Thoughts
Tariffs on China are likely to increase the cost and potentially reduce the availability of iHealth rapid COVID-19 test products. For consumers, this presents a timely opportunity to shift toward U.S.-developed and manufactured test kits that are tariff-free, highly reliable, and readily accessible. In 2025, staying ahead of COVID-19 means being prepared. That includes keeping rapid home tests on hand and choosing products that support public health infrastructure and domestic resilience.
Rapid tests remain a vital tool in the medicine cabinet for ongoing infection cycles of COVID-19. Be sure to stay stocked up with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, rapid testing, rapid home tests, iHealth COVID test, China tariffs, US-made COVID tests, pandemic preparedness, COVID testing costs