A global perspective on roofing distribution

By Emma Peterson.

Learn how Pace Products International connects people around the world to Topps Products!

Topps Products are known for their long history of industry-leading roofing solutions and global presence. They supply six different regions of the world (in over 30 different countries), with products being used in places like the subway in Hiroshima, Japan or rooftops of Dubai Internet City. But if you were looking to buy Topps for your own international project, you would actually need to buy through a company called Pace Products International.

Pace is a distributor that has been empowering American manufacturers and producers since the 1970s. They describe their mission on their website, saying, “We are committed to sourcing and promoting the best of what America has to offer... As we look towards the future, we remain committed to our mission. We are continually seeking to refine our processes, expand our offerings and improve our services to better serve American manufacturers and farmers.”

So, what does it mean when we say Pace distributes Topps Products? Pace is able to help Topps sell their products on the international market more effectively. Distributors like Pace have expertise and networks in markets abroad that reduce the small business’s market learning curve and allows them to start making a profit faster. These distributors are also helpful in reducing risks that come with international trade.

An example of the complex regulations that Pace helps Topps navigate are tariffs. Trent Cotney, a partner and the construction team lead at the legal firm Adams and Reese, defined tariffs as “a tax applied to a specific category of imported goods, and it is collected by customs officials when these items enter a country. Tariffs serve multiple purposes. While they generate revenue for a nation’s treasury, their primary function is often to protect domestic manufacturing by increasing the cost of foreign goods.”  

Tariffs in general have become more top of mind in industries like roofing because of the new administration’s plans for 2025, which Cotney Consulting Group explained include “a 10% across-the-board tariff on all imported goods and a 60% or higher tariff on imports from China, a major supplier of roofing materials, chemicals and components.”

As you can tell from that brief overview of tariffs, which only dives into one of many factors that come into play when trading internationally, it can be complicated and difficult to navigate, especially as a small business like Topps. By working through Pace on the international level, Topps is able to streamline their logistics, reduce overall costs and mitigate risks when it comes to compliance. All the while, their international customers receive the same trusted, high-performance products as are sold in the U.S.

You can learn more about Topps Products and how they have been used internationally online! You can also read more about Pace Products and the work they do to support American businesses on the international level on their website.