Canadian shoppers, your favourite US online stores aren't off-limits! But with new tariffs in effect since March 4th, 2025, it's time to adjust your shopping strategy.

We're here to help you navigate these changes and keep your cross-border shopping budget intact.

Key Takeaways

• The 25% tariff applies only to products manufactured in the US, not all items sold by US retailers.
  
  
• Canadian and Mexican-manufactured goods remain duty-free, making them smart alternatives.
  
  
• Always check the country of origin before purchasing to avoid unexpected costs.

What Has Changed?

• 25% Tariff on US-Manufactured Goods: A 25% tariff is now applied to most products made in the US. This directly impacts your total shipping cost when shopping from the US.
  
  
• Origin vs. Shipping: It's crucial to understand that this tariff applies to where the product is made, not just where it's shipped from. If it's made outside the US and shipped from there, you're exempt.

For more in-depth information, see our latest updates on Canadian tariffs on US items sent to Canada.

Smart Shopping Tips for Canadians

Even with these tariff changes, you can still enjoy shopping from US retailers while avoiding extra fees. Here are some strategies to help you shop smarter and save money:

• Check the "Made in" label: Before checking out, confirm where the product was made. Many US retailers sell internationally manufactured goods that won’t be affected by the tariff.
  
  
• Maximize USMCA bnefits: Products from Mexico and Canada remain duty-free under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement USMCA trade agreement. Prioritize these items for cost-effectiveness.
  
  
• Look for non-US brand alternatives: Choosing products from other international brands can help bypass US-specific tariffs.
  
  
• Consult the official tariff list: The Department of Finance Canada has released a list of affected products and is your go-to resource for specific items.
  
  
• Compare before and after tariff prices: See the real-world impact of the tariffs by comparing prices before and after March 4th.

Use Shippsy for Your US-to-Canada Shipments

Shippsy is the cheapest cross-border package forwarding service that helps Canadians affordably ship from the US to Canada. With our 7.99 CAD starting rate, you can ensure to buy other items with your excess money.

Final Thoughts

Don't let tariffs deter you from shopping US retailers. By understanding these changes and implementing smart shopping strategies, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of cross-border shopping. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Jay Alagon

Jay Alagon serves as the business manager at Shippsy, where he aims to provide Canadians with access to all US retailers without worrying about high shipping costs, long delivery times, and complicated paperwork associated with cross-border shopping. Outside of work, he enjoys practicing martial arts and woodworking.

Read all posts written by  Jayson Alagon