Does it still make sense to import windows from Europe in 2026?
Yes, you can save 30–50% compared to U.S. suppliers, even with tariffs from 2025.
Importing European windows still beats domestic pricing and quality – especially for aluminum and high-end uPVC systems.
Real quotes from both sides of the Atlantic confirm that these savings remain consistent for most projects.
Our internal data shows U.S. builders haven’t stopped buying.
Polish windows remain profitable because they offer quality and options that aren’t just cheaper, but often unavailable from local suppliers.
Bartek Michalak, Co-owner at debesto.com
Protect your spec home margin, even with window import tariffs
See how U.S. builders still save 30–50% by importing windows without adding risk to their project timeline.
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.
30–50%
~20%
None
Real-life example: from PVC to high-performance aluminum
One of my clients received a $220,000 quote for U.S.-made PVC windows.
By switching to high-quality Polish aluminum, the total cost rose only to $245,000
– a minor increase for a massive upgrade in material and property value.
Alternatively, opting for Polish uPVC would have slashed the cost to approximately $140,000.
This provides a huge margin of $80,000 for spec builders who prioritize budget.
It’s about ROI: either you save 40% on costs
or you spend a similar amount to get premium aluminum that significantly boosts the house price.
Patrick Łakucewicz, Key Account Manager at debesto
Choosing Polish thermally broken aluminum over local U.S. windows can increase your home’s resale value while keeping costs comparable.
Why importing from Poland remains profitable despite tariffs
Polish windows remain the most cost-effective option because their price advantage outweighs import duties.
Poland is the worlds biggest window exporter thanks to advanced technology and lower labor costs.
Your savings grow with the order size; the larger the project, the more imports offset delivery and duty costs. This is especially true for luxury custom builds, where Polish manufacturers offer high-performance specs at a fraction of U.S. domestic prices.
Even with tariffs at 15% (uPVC/wood) and 56% (aluminum), your total cost stays significantly lower than buying locally or importing from Germany or Italy.
It’s about maintaining your margins through a price-to-quality ratio that domestic suppliers simply cannot match.
Despite the tariffs, importing from Poland is still more profitable than importing from Germany or buying locally in the U.S.
Polish vs U.S. Windows: Still a 30–50% price gap
Importing from Poland can save you $25,000 to $50,000 per project, even after factoring in the new tariffs.
For a spec home with a $100,000 U.S. window budget, switching to Polish-made systems typically cuts your costs to $50,000–$75,000.
This gap is expected to remain wide because U.S. suppliers raise product prices for end customers when they have to pay more for components. As noted by construction industry experts, raw materials (steel, aluminum) are hit by the same tariffs.
Price as of December 2025. Based on debesto internal data from Polish suppliers.
American window
800 USD
single-hung
vinyl or fiberglass
36″ x 72″
Poland vs Germany: Still $30,000 cheaper per project after tariffs
Switching from German to Polish suppliers saves you 20-30% on luxury projects without any loss in performance or certification.
While both countries now face the same U.S. import fees, Poland’s lower manufacturing base keeps your total cost significantly lower. After adding a duty, a Polish window package costs the same as the German one did before the tariffs.
Import costs: Fixed fees are easily offset by large-scale savings
For full-container orders, savings on windows far outweigh the cost of transportation, customs, and port fees.
Importing involves specific categories (port charges, agency fees, transportation), but these expenses become negligible when spread across a larger project. Plan the process well to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Use our delivery cost calculator for an instant estimate from debesto that includes current tariffs.
How to secure your 30–50% savings and lower import risks
The most effective way to protect your margin is to outsource the complexity of tariffs and international logistics.
Managing custom quotes, technical specifications, and tariff documentation requires precision. A single paperwork error at the port can lead to delays that quickly consume your initial savings.
Professional oversight keeps costs predictable and timelines secure. It helps ensure the 30–50% price advantage actually reaches your bottom line instead of being lost to avoidable logistics penalties.
Key takeaways: Is importing from Europe still the right move for 2026?
Yes, importing aluminum and uPVC windows from Poland remains the most profitable strategy, offering 30–50% savings over U.S. suppliers.
Even with current tariffs, the base cost difference is too large for domestic prices and technology to bridge. To protect your investment, keep these three facts in mind:
Poland vs. Germany: Polish products start 15–30% cheaper, meaning they remain 10–20% below German prices even after equal tariff hits.
Local doesn’t mean cheaper: U.S. manufacturers often hike prices following tariff announcements, erasing the “buy local” savings advantage.
Process is everything: Your final margin depends on avoiding port delays and documentation errors through professional end-to-end logistics.
How debesto secures your project’s ROI:
We simplify the import process for U.S. developers by providing business-focused consultation and full-suppport:
On-site delivery: Hassle-free shipping organized directly to your job site.
Reliable lead times: Strict deadlines to keep your project on schedule.
Time-zone support: Available until 4 p.m. EST for real-time coordination.
Proven results: See how other builders succeeded in our case studies.
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 30–50% 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.
