In April 2025, the Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on windows imported from Europe – between 10% and 25%, depending on the material. That raised a simple but crucial question: does it still make financial sense to buy European windows?
The bottom line:
Even with tariffs, you’re still saving up to 50%
Polish windows beat both U.S. and German prices – same specs, less money
Big projects, bigger savings – the larger the order, the more you profit
Does it still make sense to import aluminum and uPVC windows from Europe in 2025?
Yes, even with tariffs, you can save 35–50% compared to U.S. suppliers.
If you’re concerned that the 25% tariff might eliminate your profit margin, you’re not alone. Since April 2025, U.S. tariffs on European windows range from 10% to 25%, depending on the material. But even after including those fees, importing still beats domestic pricing in most cases, especially for aluminum systems and higher-end uPVC.
The savings are typically between 35% and 50%, based on real quotes we’ve seen from both sides of the Atlantic.
In April, we also worried about how the new tariffs would hit window imports. But just a few months later, our internal data shows U.S. builders still buy. And we still deliver.
Polish windows remain profitable, because they were already imported mainly for their quality and the options they offer, not just for a lower price.
Bartek Michalak, Co-owner at debesto.com
How much profit can you earn importing windows from Europe?
For standard aluminum and uPVC systems, developers in the U.S. typically save around 50% – even after factoring in shipping. That margin drops slightly with the 2025 tariffs, but savings of 35–50% are still realistic in most cases.
For custom, high-performance windows – especially those used in large residential builds or modern luxury homes – we’ve seen price gaps of 200–300%. That’s because European manufacturers, especially in Poland, offer advanced specs at a fraction of U.S. prices.
The bigger the order, the more you save. A 25% tariff adds cost, but not enough to eliminate profit. In many cases, it just means you earn less on order and still stay well below U.S. pricing.
Why importing windows can still be profitable, even with tariffs?
Yes, tariffs went up. But compared to buying locally in the U.S. – or importing from Germany or Italy – Polish windows still come out on top in most cases.
To show you why, we’ve broken down typical price differences, lead times, and spec levels across these three options. It’s not just about the cheapest unit – it’s about long-term value for your project margins.
Polish vs U.S. Windows: Still a 35–50% price gap
Let’s say you’re building a spec home with a $100,000 window budget using U.S. suppliers. If you switch to Polish-made aluminum or high-spec PVC windows – even with a 25% tariff – you could cut that to $50,000–$65,000.
That’s $35K to $50K in savings. On one project.
And there’s more: U.S. suppliers often raise prices after tariffs kick in — we’ve seen it before with steel and appliances. So “buying local” might not stay cheap for long.
Importing windows from Poland to the U.S. involves a few fixed cost categories:
Transportation expenses
Customs fees
Port fees (such as DTHC charges)
Agency fees
For full-container orders, these logistics costs are often offset by savings on the windows themselves, especially for larger projects. But you need to plan the process well to avoid avoidable penalties.
How to reduce risk and increase margins when importing windows
Worried that tariffs might cancel out the savings on European windows? You don’t have to settle for lower quality or higher prices from U.S. suppliers.
The key is this: if you want to import, but don’t have time to manage quotes, specs, customs paperwork, and shipping – get help. Trying to do it solo can wipe out your margin with a single delay or mistake.
Work with a broker who understands tariffs, product specs, and logistics. It can protect your timeline, reduce paperwork, and keep your costs predictable – all without giving up the 35–50% savings on windows.
See how we can help you
Import European windows to the USA directly from Poland
Example project cost comparison: Poland vs Germany vs U.S.
Category
Importing from Poland
Importing from Germany
Buying from U.S. Suppliers
Cost before tariff
$100,000
$125,000
$150,000
Cost after 2025 tariff
$125,000
$156,000
>$150,000
Typical savings vs U.S.
35–50%
~20%
None
Key takeaways: Should spec home builders still import windows from Europe?
Yes, in most cases, it’s still the more profitable move. Even with new U.S. tariffs of up to 25%, importing aluminum and uPVC windows from Poland often saves you 35–50% compared to local U.S. suppliers.
Polish vs German windows: Starting 15–30% cheaper, Polish products still end up 10–20% below German pricing, even under equal tariff rates.
Local ≠ cheaper. U.S. manufacturers often raise prices when tariffs hit – so “buying local” doesn’t guarantee savings.
Your margin depends on the right partner. A reliable exporter with clear pricing, full documentation, and end-to-end logistics helps you avoid delays, surprise costs, and margin erosion.
If your project demands quality windows – and you care about your margin – Europe still makes sense. Just make sure you handle the import process right or get a partner who can.
At debesto, we help U.S. developers makes sourcing these windows simple and hassle-free. See our case studies
Here’s how we help:
Increase your profit margins thanks to business and product consultation
On-site delivery – we organize shipping for you, hassle-free
Reliable lead times – avoid delays and meet deadlines
Straightforward ordering process – no unnecessary emails or calls
Enhance your brand’s reputation with superior products
Support in your time zone – available until 4 p.m. EST (contact us)
How can I check savings specifically for my custom project?
Schedule a free consultation to evaluate current costs and the profitability of importing windows from Poland in your specific project.
I used to buy from Germany – will switching to Poland lower my quality?
Absolutely not. Poland is the world’s largest exporter of windows, combining attractive pricing with high quality. Polish factories use the same premium systems and deliver equal or superior performance and certifications.
How much more will I pay now compared to before the tariff increase?
In many cases, you’ll still save 35–50% compared to U.S. prices – even with tariffs included.
Will local U.S. suppliers now be cheaper?
Historically, both U.S. manufacturers and U.S.-based distributors of European windows have passed tariff costs through to customers, so there’s still no guarantee of savings. Read more in our detailed article.
Co-owner of debesto.com. For over 10 years I’ve been helping builders from the U.S. and Europe find clear answers to their key questions about importing windows from Poland. I focus on solving the real problems American builders face – based on what I’ve seen myself on U.S. job sites, not just from behind a desk.
Take the story of our customer who was struggling with a lack of information and responsiveness from his former windows broker. Check a case study from New York about the start of a long-term partnership with debesto.
Discover the crucial differences between U.S. and European window markets. Learn why choosing the right manufacturer from Poland is key to the success of your construction projects.
At debesto.com, we are experts in providing customized window solutions, including patio doors, blinds, entry, and garage doors, tailored to building professionals: developers, general contractors, architects, and construction project managers.
With over a decade of expertise in European windows, we specialize in assisting construction companies to import windows efficiently and profitably.
With debesto, you gain comprehensive, consultative partnerships designed to enhance your project’s success and minimize your business risk. Our customers appreciate most:
The total time from manufacture to delivery of the windows to the US port is on average 7-10 weeks depending on the destination port and delivery method that you can choose from debesto delivery price list.
Add to this the production time of the windows (from 2 to 8 weeks).
The maximum expected production time can be found on the pro forma invoice. We deliver 97% of all orders shipped worldwide according to the deadline we declare on the pro forma invoice. If we are late, we give you a 2% discount.
Do the products come with an international warranty?
Yes, products are covered by the debesto worldwide warranty, provided they are installed according to the professional standards and applicable regulations in the country of installation.
Are the windows insured during shipment?
Yes, all products are fully insured during transportation, covering the entire value of the products.
