Importing Windows from Europe and Trump’s Tariffs: Is It Still Profitable in 2025?
President Trump’s administration has increased tariffs on imported European windows —additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% depending on the window material as of April 2025. Naturally, some construction professionals question the profitability of continuing to source windows from Europe.
Especially American developers and construction company owners are looking for ways to improve project margins while minimizing risks. Is importing windows from Europe a viable strategy? Let’s dive into the numbers and facts.
Does it still make sense to import Aluminum and uPVC windows from Europe?
Short answer: Yes. Why and how? Let’s look at the numbers.
With new tariffs introduced by the U.S. government on imported European windows—reaching up to 25% in some categories—many developers and construction firms are now wondering whether importing still makes financial sense.
If you’re concerned that the 25% tariff might eliminate your profit margin, you’re not alone.
Here’s the short answer: in most cases, importing windows from Europe still lets you save between 35% and 65% compared to U.S. suppliers—even after including the new tariffs.
How much profit can you earn importing windows from Europe?
Until now, importing windows from Europe has resulted in savings of about 50% for standard European products — even after accounting for shipping costs — often being of higher quality than US-made ones.
For luxury homes requiring custom, high-performance windows, the price difference is even greater. In our work with US clients, we’ve seen pricing disparities of up to 200-300%.
What does this mean? If you’re managing a large project that demands high-quality windows, European windows—even after a 25% tariff increase—can still help you save between 35% and 65% compared to the cost of American windows.
The bigger the project, the greater the savings
Since increased tariff costs are usually passed on to the final product price, quality isn’t compromised; it just reduces your profit margin.
However, this tariff hike isn’t significant enough to radically impact the profitability of investing in European windows, especially those from Polish manufacturers, which are still cheaper than, for example, German-made windows.
If you’d like to calculate the price difference between our windows and those offered by your supplier, use our calculators and check the price lists for the most popular European windows and doors.
American window
600 USD
single-hung
vinyl or fiberglass
36″ x 60″
Why importing windows still be profitable, even though tariffs have risen?
When evaluating whether importing windows still makes financial sense after the introduction of new tariffs, it’s crucial to go beyond the headline percentage.
To give you the clearest possible picture, we’ve broken down how the new situation affects imports from Poland in comparison to two common alternatives: buying locally in the U.S., and sourcing from other European countries like Germany.
These comparisons help determine where the real long-term value lies for your construction business.
Windows from Poland vs. Buying Locally in the United States
While European imports remain significantly cheaper, it’s also important to consider how the U.S. market may respond to these tariffs.
That said, it’s worth noting that in similar past cases—like the U.S. steel and appliance (washing machines) tariffs introduced in the early 2000s and again in 2018— domestic manufacturers raised their prices after protective tariffs were applied. If the same dynamic repeats in 2025, the return on investment from importing European windows could remain steady or even improve as local prices adjust upward.
With the new 25% tariff in place:
- PVC windows from Poland remain approximately 30%-50% cheaper than comparable US products.
- Aluminum windows continue to offer savings in the range of 25%-40% compared to American counterparts.
For instance, consider a typical spec home project in the U.S. with a window budget of approximately $100,000 using local suppliers. Importing equivalent high-quality PVC or Aluminum windows from Poland—even with a 25% tariff—could reduce this expense to between $50,000-$75,000.
This represents significant savings of $25,000 to $50,000 per project. Beyond cost advantages, European windows also offer markedly higher build quality, superior energy efficiency, better aesthetics, and advanced functionalities compared to typical U.S. products.
For premium, custom-built windows required in high-end residential and commercial projects, European solutions remain highly attractive, maintaining cost advantages despite the tariffs.
Windows from Poland vs Importing from Germany
Many US companies previously sourcing windows from Germany may find significant cost advantages shifting to Polish suppliers:
- PVC windows from Poland typically cost 20%-30% less than similar German products. Even after applying the new tariffs, companies switching from German to Polish suppliers can realize additional savings of approximately 10%-20%.
- Aluminum windows sourced from Poland are generally priced 15%-25% lower than their German equivalents. With the tariff increase, Polish aluminum windows still maintain a competitive edge, particularly beneficial in large-scale projects.
For example, consider a luxury residential development with a $150,000 budget previously sourcing high-quality aluminum windows from Germany. Before the tariffs, switching to a Polish supplier could reduce costs to approximately $120,000 (saving around 20%).
After applying the new 25% tariffs, the total cost would rise to around $150,000, essentially matching the initial German price before tariffs. However, continuing with German imports under the same tariff conditions would increase costs significantly, reaching upwards of $187,500. Thus, despite tariffs, shifting to Polish suppliers clearly presents substantial savings, while maintaining the high quality associated with European windows.
Import costs – what you need to know
Importing windows into the USA involves not only the fees directly tied to the process but also the time and effort required to manage the process and logistics.
Formal costs primarily include:
- Transportation expenses
- Customs fees
- Port fees (such as DTHC charges)
- Agency fees
When importing any product, a solid understanding of logistics and procedures is essential to avoid unexpected costs, such as container detention fees.
To learn more about importing windows, read our Quick guide on how to import windows.
Also, check our delivery cost calculator to estimate the price of windows imported from Poland.
How to reduce risks and increase profits when importing windows from Europe
Given the changing tariffs, would it be wiser to source from U.S.-based distributors to avoid these additional costs—even if that means compromising on the quality, price, and design offered by European windows?
Good news: You don’t have to give up the opportunity to increase your profit margin and expand your business.
If you’re considering importing windows, first evaluate whether you have the time and resources to handle not only the process of obtaining quotes, placing orders, and verifying that products meet your project specifications but also the entire customs and import procedure on your own.
To increase your profits, consider partnering with a broker who can navigate changing tariffs more effectively without unnecessary risks and complications, ensuring a guaranteed and streamlined process.
Key takeaways
- Even with tariffs raised to 25%, importing windows from Europe can still save you between 35% and 65%.
- Choosing the right supplier will boost your margins and give you a competitive edge, all while keeping risks to a minimum.
Choosing the right European window supplier can provide you with peace of mind and transaction security. At debesto, we help U.S. developers makes sourcing these windows simple and hassle-free.
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)
Need help with importing windows from Europe?
We’ll manage importing windows process and help you find windows that meet your standards, stick to your deadlines, and boost your profit margins.
Book a free project consultationFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Polish window prices more stable than German or Italian options?
A: Yes. Thanks to lower production costs and lower energy exposure, Polish manufacturers tend to offer more predictable pricing than those in Western Europe.
Q: I used to buy from Germany — will switching to Poland lower my quality?
A: Not at all. Polish factories often use the same premium systems and offer comparable performance and certification.
Q: How much more will I pay now compared to before the tariff increase?
A: In many cases, you’ll still save 25–50% compared to U.S. prices—even with tariffs included.
Q: Will local U.S. suppliers now be cheaper?
A: Historically, local producers raised prices after tariffs were introduced. There’s no guarantee of savings.
Q: How long does shipping from Poland take?
A: Typically 5–9 weeks, depending on your location and product type. We manage all logistics and customs clearance for you.
