The topic at hand is whether the tariffs announced by the U.S. government could lead to an increase in the price of ostomy supplies. This is a concern for many who rely on these essential products. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. While there is no definitive answer yet, many expect that tariffs will likely lead to higher retail prices. This is because increased costs are often passed down the supply chain to the consumer.

2. The location where ostomy supplies are manufactured plays a role:
- Hollister has two plants in the U.S., located in Kirksville, Missouri, and Stuarts Draft, Virginia.
- Coloplast operates a plant in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Convatec reportedly manufactures entirely outside the U.S.
Products made or sourced from abroad, or those containing foreign components, could face import duties.

3. Even if the final product is assembled in the U.S., imported parts like films, adhesives, Velcro®, plastic flanges, resins, and paper liners might still incur tariffs, potentially raising costs.

4. Insurance companies might cover short-term cost increases, but they could raise premiums or copays when policies are renewed.

5. Some suggest stockpiling extra supplies to prepare for possible price hikes, supply-chain disruptions, or future crises like another pandemic.

6. In case of significant cost increases or product shortages, some users plan to create makeshift solutions using materials like aluminum plates, silicone caulk, Ziplock® bags, and duct tape.

7. There are concerns about quality if rapid domestic production is forced without proper FDA inspections or experienced suppliers, which could lead to lower product quality.

8. On a broader scale, tariffs are seen by some as a way to boost U.S. manufacturing and reduce trade deficits. However, others warn that they could lead to reciprocal tariffs, job losses, and higher consumer prices in both countries.