In a twist that few expected, President Donald Trump’s sweeping new international tariffs may soon lead to higher prices for one of the most treasured possessions in Christian households: the Bible.

On Wednesday, Trump announced a dramatic expansion of tariffs, targeting Chinese imports with an additional 34 percent “reciprocal” tariff—on top of an earlier 20 percent levy—bringing the total tariff to a steep 54 percent. This could have a surprising impact on the availability and affordability of Bibles across the United States, including Trump’s own personally branded “God Bless the USA” Bible.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the country’s largest commercial publisher of Bibles and Christian literature, sounded the alarm following the announcement. CEO Mark Schoenwald told The Wall Street Journal that it had been “all hands on deck” as the company scrambled to understand the potential implications.

Why the concern? Bibles are not like typical books. They are traditionally printed on ultra-thin paper stock and require specialized printing presses—resources that are largely located outside the United States, particularly in China. According to trade records, even the president’s signature edition of the Bible is printed there.

While Trump has never officially disclosed where his Bibles are produced, or their cost of production, records reviewed by the Associated Press show that a printing company in Hangzhou, China, shipped nearly 120,000 of the “God Bless the USA” Bibles to the United States last year. The shipments had an estimated combined value of $342,000—less than $3 per Bible. However, retail prices for these Bibles start at $59.99, and a hand-signed copy was once listed for a staggering $1,000.

The tariffs raise many questions, especially concerning how future shipments of these Bibles—and others—will be affected. While higher import costs could be absorbed in various ways, consumers will likely eventually feel the impact through increased Bible prices at Christian bookstores, churches, and online retailers.

Beyond Trump’s own branded products, this policy could broadly affect the availability of affordable Bibles, especially ministries and missions that distribute them in bulk both domestically and internationally. The American Bible Society and other major faith organizations have relied heavily on cost-effective global production to ensure widespread Scripture access.

As of now, the White House has not commented on how the president’s tariffs might affect Bible imports or his own “God Bless the USA” editions. Inquiries have also been made to HarperCollins Christian Publishing and the American Bible Society regarding potential responses or adaptations.

For Christians who cherish the accessibility of God’s Word, this situation underscores an important reality: policies made in the realm of economics and politics can have very real spiritual consequences. It is a reminder to pray for wisdom for our leaders and for continued provision that God’s Word will remain readily available to all who seek it.

Even amidst tariffs and trade wars, Christians can rest assured in the unchanging truth of Scripture: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).