Hydrogen health leader’s early exit from China saves millions as tariffs slam competitors

As the latest wave of tariffs slams Chinese imports, Echo—the hydrogen-powered health brand behind the popular Echo Flask—is reaping the rewards of a bold decision made last year: pulling manufacturing out of China.

In 2024, Echo made the high stakes move to relocate production to the Philippines. That foresight is now saving the company an estimated $9.8 million in 2025 alone—giving Echo a massive edge as competitors scramble to adapt to surging costs and shipping disruptions.

“We believed tariffs were coming, and we acted,” said Josh Carr, CEO of Echo. “Now other brands are watching their costs spike—and they’re out of time to pivot. We’re already operating at full speed.”

Echo’s Supply Chain Playbook Pays Off

While other companies face months-long delays, shrinking margins, or both, Echo Water has maintained full availability and pricing by building out a Philippines-based production line ahead of the curve.

“It’s not just about lead times—it’s about insulation,” Carr added. “We can absorb price volatility because we invested in flexibility before it was urgent.”

That flexibility has already powered a successful 2025 launch of the Echo Hydrogen Prebiotic—the first travel-ready hydrogen solution to include prebiotics in a single dose.

A New Era of Brand Resilience

Exiting China came with significant costs. Chinese manufacturers, often backed by state subsidies, had covered tooling and setup fees—support Echo had to replace entirely when it walked away.

“When you move out of China, you don’t just lose a factory—you become the factory,” Carr said. “We had to build supplier relationships, invest in equipment, and relearn what real manufacturing takes. But now we own our output.”

With new tariff waves disrupting consumer brands across industries, Echo’s decision looks increasingly like a blueprint for the future.

“This is what operational foresight looks like,” said Carr. “If you're reacting now, you're already too late.”

About Echo Water

Echo is a pioneer in hydrogen health, dedicated to helping people thrive through science-backed innovation. From advanced water systems to on-the-go health and performance solutions, Echo designs products that support energy, digestion, cognitive clarity, and overall vitality. With a focus on accessibility, performance, and trust, Echo empowers individuals to integrate the benefits of hydrogen therapy into everyday life. To learn more, visit www.echowater.com.

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“We believed tariffs were coming, and we acted,” said Josh Carr, CEO of Echo. “Now other brands are watching their costs spike—and they’re out of time to pivot. We’re already operating at full speed.”