Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA)
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iobabooks.bsky.social
Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA)
@iobabooks.bsky.social
47 followers 15 following 12 posts
The official account of the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA).

Visit IOBA.org to learn more.
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iobabooks.bsky.social
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
September 19, 2025 at 8:43 PM
iobabooks.bsky.social
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.
The Evening Land Books logo featuring a woodcut-style archway containing a river landscape and sunny sky with the EL monogram in the center. Next to this image reads: Evening Land/rare & collectible books 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.
July 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
iobabooks.bsky.social
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.”
The Buzz Bookstore logo. It's a hexagon framing the following text: Quality Antique & Vintage Buzz Bookstore [a small bee image] Est. 2012
July 9, 2025 at 2:54 PM
iobabooks.bsky.social
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.
The logo for the Independent Online Booksellers Association. It is a green open book with the IOBA letters inside it. The "O" is a globe to signify the international reach of our organization.
April 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM