Where Contact Lenses Are Made and How Tariffs Could Affect What You Pay (2025)

Updated June 3, 2025 – If you’ve been hearing about Trump’s latest tariff policies and wondering how they might affect your contact lenses, you’re not alone. With talks of sweeping 10% tariffs on imports (and even a higher 145% for China), many customers are asking: Where are contact lenses made? And more importantly, could this impact prices or availability?

Here’s what you need to know.

Most contact lens brands sold in the U.S. are made overseas. Countries like Ireland, Germany, Costa Rica, and China play major roles in producing popular lenses.

When a product is imported into the U.S., tariffs raise the total cost at the border—and those extra costs can eventually reach your wallet. Even if your lenses aren’t made in China, the universal 10% tariff still applies in many cases.

Alcon lenses like Dailies Total 1, Air Optix Aqua, and Precision1 contacts are produced in multiple countries—many of which are affected by the 10% universal tariff. Here are the major facilities worldwide:

• • Fort Worth, Texas
  • Johns Creek, Georgia
  • Grosswallstadt, Germany
  • Singapore
  • Johor, Malaysia
  • Erlangen, Germany
  • Athlone, Ireland

Source: Alcon 2022 Annual Report

Note: Manufacturing sites included in the table are only those that produce contact lens products and ophthalmic Solutions like eye drops and other support products.

If you’re wearing Alcon contact lenses, most are made outside China. However, contacts made outside U.S. still face the 10% tariff under the latest policy. Prices will likely have a slight increase considering that these factories manufacture these contact lenses.

Browse all Alcon contacts on Lens.com.

Bausch + Lomb lenses and solutions are made throughout Europe and the Americas, with some products (like solutions) produced in China.

• • Porto Alegre, Brazil
  • Montpellier, France
  • Heidelberg, Germany
  • Waterford, Ireland
  • Macherio, Italy
  • Warszawa, Poland
  • East Sussex, UK
  • Beijing, China
  • Shandong, China

Source: Bausch + Lomb & SEC Archives

Note: Manufacturing sites included in the table are only those that produce contact lens products, ophthalmic solutions like eye drops and support products.

Bausch + Lomb contacts, including popular ones like BioTrue ONEday and ULTRA contact lenses, as well as their solutions are mostly produced in Europe, however they are still subject to the universal 10% tariff. Expect a potential price increase, especially for solutions or care kits originating from China.

You can always check out our Bausch + Lomb contact lenses right here.

CooperVision has one of the most globally distributed manufacturing networks. It’s contact lenses such as Biofinity and Clariti 1-Day Toric are produced domestically and across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

• • Scottsville, New York
  • Porto Alegre, Brazil
  • Ponce, Puerto Rico
  • Hampshire, United Kingdom
  • Southampton, United Kingdom
  • Gyal, Hungary
  • Alajuela, Costa Rica

Source: CooperVision

Note: Manufacturing sites included in the table are only those that produce contact lens products, ophthalmic solutions like eye drops and support products.

Most of CooperVision’s lenses are made outside of China, which is a good sign since the government imposed a 145% tariff rate. However, with the blanket 10% tariff now in place, imports from places like Costa Rica or Hungary could still become slightly more expensive.

Too see our CooperVision products, see Lens.com!

J&J Vision manufactures their popular ACUVUE® products, including Acuvue Oasys and 1-Day Acuvue Moist contacts, at just a few main locations.

• • Jacksonville, Florida
  • Limerick, Ireland
  • Shanghai, China

Source: Johnson&Johnson Innovative Medicine

While Irish-made products face only the 10% universal import tariff, products sourced from China (like those from the Shanghai facility) could be subject to higher duties under Section 301. For U.S. consumers, this means potential price variation depending on sourcing.

To explore our Johnson&Johnson contact lenses, see Lens.com!

June 3, 2025: A federal judge ruled that President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are unlawful, stating he lacks the authority to impose them unilaterally to reshape the global economy. The Trump administration has appealed the decision, arguing it undermines sensitive trade negotiations and oversteps judicial authority.

June 2, 2025 – A federal court ruled that President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful and must stop being collected within 10 days. However, after an appeal by the Trump administration, the U.S. Court of Appeals temporarily reinstated the tariffs while the legal process plays out. For now, this means no immediate change to pricing or import duties across the vision industry. The ruling does not affect tariffs under Section 301 (China) or Section 232 (steel, aluminum, and autos).

May 12, 2025: The U.S. and China reach a 90-day agreement reached a 90-day agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% from 145% for 90 days.

May 2, 2025: The U.S. ended the de minimis treatment for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, eliminating the $800 duty-free threshold.

April 9, 2025: The U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, and later clarified the rate has risen to 145%.

April 2, 2025: President Trump declared a national emergency to address the U.S. trade deficit.

He announced a universal 10% tariff on all important, effective April 5. He also introduced additional country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs, with higher rates for 57 countries, effective April 9.

He imposed an effective tariff rate of 54% on all imports for all Chinese imports.

March 4, 2025: A 25% tariff was imposed on most goods from Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Source: Associated Press, ABC News

With lens prices rising, it’s important to shop smart. Here’s how you can stay ahead of potential price hikes:

1. 1. Buy in bulk. Stocking up could help you avoid increases later in the year.
   2. Check where it is manufactured. Some brands may have less tariff exposure depending on where they’re made.
   3. Watch for rebates. Look for deals and rebate offers from Lens.com to offset any added costs. Check our latest rebates here.
   4. Stay informed. Follow updates from Lens.com—we’ll share any important pricing or availability changes to help you stay informed.

Trump’s new tariff policy isn’t just political—it can affect your everyday products, including the contact lenses you rely on. Knowing where your contact lenses are manufactured helps you make more informed decisions, whether you’re buying, stocking up, or exploring alternatives.

At Lens.com, we’re working to keep your vision care affordable. We’ll continue offering competitive pricing, rebate programs, and a wide selection of brands—no matter where they’re made. Shop smart at Lens.com!