115. Tariff Shock — What U.S. Import Changes Mean for Your Brand (And What to Do Next)

 ✨ Episode Summary:

The U.S. has just introduced a 125% tariff on Chinese-made imports, and while increases for other countries have been paused for 90 days, the message is clear: it’s time for e-commerce founders to get strategic.

In this episode, I break down the latest tariff news as of April 10th, what it means for your pricing, supply chain and profit margins—and how to use this window of time to build more resilience into your business.

We’ll also talk through ways to reduce risk by diversifying where you manufacture, where you sell, and how you market.

Whether you’re directly affected or watching from the sidelines—this is the time to take action, not sit in stress.

🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What’s changed with U.S. tariffs and what’s still to come

• The exact tariff rates now in place for key manufacturing countries

• What the 90-day pause covers—and what it doesn’t

• How to check your product classification (HTS codes)

• Why resilience matters: diversifying supply chains, markets, and marketing

• Action steps you can take now to protect your profit and growth

• How to work with me 1:1 to get clear on your best next move

 

📦 Current U.S. Tariff Rates (as of April 10, 2025):

These rates are applied based on country of origin—where your products are manufactured, not shipped from.

• China: 125% (in effect now)

• Vietnam: 46% (paused for 90 days)

• Indonesia: 32% (paused for 90 days)

• India: 27% (paused for 90 days)

• Australia: 10% (paused for 90 days)

If you're manufacturing in China, these tariff changes are active and should be factored into your pricing and fulfilment strategy immediately.

 

🔗 Helpful Links & Resources:

🛃 Check your U.S. HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) Code
→ https://hts.usitc.gov

🔍 Find a Licensed Customs Broker

• United States:
  CBP Broker Directory
  → https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact/brokers-listing

• Australia:
  Ignite Council (formerly CBFCA)
  → https://www.ignitecouncil.com.au

• United Kingdom:
  British International Freight Association (BIFA)
  → https://www.bifa.org

• Canada:
  Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB)
  → https://www.cscb.ca

 

📦 Need Support Navigating This?

If these tariff changes have you second-guessing your next move—whether it’s around pricing, fulfilment, or whether the U.S. should even remain a core part of your strategy—you don’t need to figure it all out on your own.

This is exactly what I help e-commerce founders with in my 90-Day E-Comm Scaling Strategy Sessions.