Section 301 tariffs increase lighting kit procurement costs by 15% to 30%

Import duties under Section 301 targeting Asian-sourced components, including LEDs, PCB boards, and control circuits, have led to a sharp increase in overall lighting kit procurement costs by 15% to 30%. In response, Tier-1 suppliers are actively rewiring supply chains and relocating assembly operations to Southeast Asia and domestic or European facilities to mitigate tariff exposure. Component replacements or design tweaks continue to trigger extensive FAA and EASA recertification processes, further compounding timeline and financial pressures.