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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA)

@iobabooks.bsky.social

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The official account of the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA). Visit IOBA.org to learn more.

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · 21d

Here's a link to this letter on our website as well: www.ioba.org/post/an-open...

You can find out more about the IOBA and its efforts to support booksellers there.

An Open Letter About Book Tariffs

Recent changes to U.S. trade policies have harmed the book trade. The IOBA has a duty to support its members–booksellers who are being negatively impacted. See the IOBA's official letter sent to U.S. ...

www.ioba.org

Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · 21d

If you're an independent online bookseller, consider joining us. With a larger membership, we have a louder voice to advocate for better policies for the trade.

If you're a concerned citizen, please support independent booksellers. They are navigating uncertainty right now and could use your help!

Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · 21d

Recent changes to U.S. trade policies are affecting the book trade. The IOBA Board of Directors penned this letter reflecting our concerns. It was sent to U.S. Congress and Senate Committees.

Dear Chairman,

I'm writing to you as the President of the Independent Online Booksellers Association. IOBA is a U.S.-based, nonprofit, international trade organization benefiting member booksellers conducting business online, with many members also having brick and mortar retail operations.

The Executive Branch of the US government issued Executive Orders 14193, 14194, 14195, 14226, 14227, 14228, 14257, 14259, 14266, and 14298, all readable at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/

The stated intents of the Executive Orders were balancing trade and improving national security, but these Orders caused unintended, significant harm to the bookselling trade. Additionally, the Orders apply to trade in newly produced goods, but our members are unduly burdened as they trade mainly in used, collectible, and antiquarian books.

Books are tariff-free in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of 9/2025, but Orders override that, and U.S. and non-U.S. booksellers are severely constrained by country-by-country ad valorem tariffs of 10% to 25% or a flat rate from $80 to $200 USD. Navigating uncertainty, major countries and blocs have suspended parcel shipments to the U.S., thus affecting our member booksellers.

Particularly harmful is suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. Books have low profit margin, and most online sales are for a single book, thus the ad valorem tariffs negate any profit on, and effectively stop, international sales to U.S. booksellers and retail customers.

Even a 10% levy on books, plus the undue burden of reportage, threatens the viability of the traditionally low profit bookselling business. Some of our member booksellers specialize in non-U.S. topics and source books from non-U.S. countries. Current tariffs effectively thwart these booksellers from sourcing inventory, and their businesses will fail if this is not remedied.

Our U.S. and non-U.S. member booksellers operate what is classified as a "small business," are self-employed, and their trade supports their families and their local economies. Current Executive Orders, as written, are causing both present and lasting harm to these booksellers.

I urge you to use the power of your position to influence key decision-makers, with the goal of amending Executive Orders, and other policies, to stop this harm.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Rothermel
President, Independent Online Booksellers Association

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · 22d

The IOBA would like to congratulate this year's Ruggles Prize winners: Laurane Reine-Adelaïde, Anushmita Mohanty, and Kaveh Bahar!

The IOBA is a sponsor of the Ruggles Prize. You can learn more about the prize here: rugglesprize.org

David Ruggles Prize

rugglesprize.org

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Jul 10

You can learn more about Kristina and her bookstore at eveninglandbooks.com/about-us/.

About Us – Evening Land Books

eveninglandbooks.com

Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Jul 10

We're proud to announce that Kristina Intinarelli has received our scholarship to this year’s CABS seminar. She is an owner of @eveninglandbooks.com. She has a master's degree in library information sciences. At CABS, she hopes to learn more about cataloging and pricing ephemera.

A photo of Kristina. She is standing in front of regal sets of finely bound books. Her hair is down and she has a knowing smile through pursed lips. She is holding a book in her hands. The top edge of the book faces the camera.

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Jul 9

You can learn more about Ben and his bookstore at buzzbookstore.com.

Buzz Bookstore

Buzz Bookstore curates and sells rare, collectible, and antique books for collectors in all phases of their collecting journey. Experts in fairy tales, literature, science fiction, and horror.

buzzbookstore.com

Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Jul 9

We're proud to announce that Ben Pagel has received our scholarship to this year’s CABS seminar! Ben has been selling books since 2012, when he started to fund his wife’s engagement ring. At CABS, he’s especially looking forward to “Fakes, Forgeries, Theft and Fraud.”

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · May 1

The IOBA is proud to sponsor the Capitol Rare Book Fair in Washington DC, this May 2nd - 4th. This fair is a dynamic event that includes live music and guest speakers alongside exhibitors. For more info, visit finefairs.com/capital-rare...

Good luck to our IOBA members who will be in attendance!

Fine Book Fairs

FINE BOOK FAIRS

finefairs.com

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Apr 24

The IOBA is sponsoring the Tennessee Book & Ephemera Fair in Franklin, TN, this July 25th-27th! Learn more here: tennesseebookfair.com

For IOBA members: the first five IOBA booksellers to sign up for the fair will receive discounted booth fees. Only two discounts remaining! Hope to see you there!

Tennessee Book and Ephemera Fair

A Premier Event for Bibliophiles, Collectors and History Enthusiasts. Explore Rare Books, Maps, Prints and More

tennesseebookfair.com

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Apr 22

We're building a list of IOBA members on Bluesky. Are you a current member of the IOBA? Let us know so we can find your Bluesky account and add it to the list!

bsky.app/profile/did:...

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Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) @iobabooks.bsky.social · Apr 21

For over 25 years, the IOBA–an international association–has promoted & enforced ethical standards & best practices in the book trade. Our sellers receive educational opportunities that reflect changes in the trade. We also ensure our members provide great customer service. Check us out at IOBA.org.

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