UPDATE - 16th FEBRUARY 2025
The US Government has announced that, effective 12 March 2025, there will be a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. This applies not only to steel and aluminium imports from countries subject to Sec. 232 tariffs since 2018, but also to those previously exempt, inlcuding Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Imports of steel from Turkey will remain subject to a 50% tariff.
UPDATE - 7th FEBRUARY 2025
The US Government has paused the repeal of duty-free treatment for low-cost packages from China. Products and shipments under $800 can continue to enter the US without additional duties. Please note that this situation is subject to change. We will keep you updated on any future tariff adjustments by the US Government.
If you regularly send parcels to the US, you might have heard the news about new tariffs being imposed on goods imported from China. While things are still unfolding, we want to break down what this means for you in simple terms.
What’s Happening?
As of February 4, 2025, the US government has introduced an extra 10% tariff on all goods coming from China. This means that if something was made in China, it will now cost more to import into the US. The key thing to note is that this tariff is based on where the product was made—not where it was shipped from. So, even if you buy from a UK supplier, if the item was originally manufactured in China, the tariff applies. Another major change is that the de minimis rule has been suspended for Chinese goods. Usually, shipments valued under $800 were able to enter the US without extra duties. Now, all Chinese-made products, no matter how small or cheap, will have import duties added.
How Does This Affect You?
If you send parcels to the US that contain goods made in China, your recipients might see additional costs. Depending on how you send your shipments, your customers in the US could be asked to pay extra fees before they receive their package. This might include:
- Tariffs: The new 10% import tax.
- Admin Fees: Some carriers will charge a fee for handling these duties.
For example, Landmark Global has advised that they are still delivering DAP (Delivered at Place) shipments—meaning the receiver will be responsible for any extra costs. UPS has also confirmed they are adjusting their processes to manage these new rules.
If you're using DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping, you’ll need to factor in these additional costs upfront, as you (the sender) will be covering the duties instead of the receiver.
What Should You Do?
While this might sound complicated, here are some practical steps to help you navigate these changes:
1. Check the Country of Origin:
If you're selling or shipping products to the US, check if they were made in China. If they were, the new tariffs apply
2. Communicate with Your Customers:
If you're an eCommerce seller, let your US customers know that there may be extra costs at customs
3. Consider Alternative Shipping Methods:
Some carriers offer different options, such as bulk clearance or alternative routes, to reduce costs
4. Review Pricing and Margins:
If you're absorbing the tariffs, you may need to adjust your prices to cover the extra costs
5. Stay Updated:
The situation is evolving, and more changes could come. We'll keep you informed as we learn more.
Final Thoughts
We know this news might cause some concern, especially for businesses that rely on shipping to the US. Right now, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but being aware of these changes and planning ahead can help reduce surprises.
At Interparcel, we’re keeping a close eye on the situation and working with our carrier partners to find the best options for our customers. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help! Stay tuned for updates, and as always, happy shipping!
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