U.S. Tariffs Updates - Brands to Avoid & Their Alternatives (February 2025)
Published: February 6, 2025
Auteur : Jay Alagon
New US tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China are changing the shopping scene. The US government announced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese products on February 1, 2025.
Principaux points à retenir
The US proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, and in response, Canada announced a 25% retaliatory tariff on US products. Both tariffs were postponed for 30 days after negotiations.
If the 25% tariff takes effect, it could lead to higher prices, supply chain disruptions, economic instability, and fluctuations in the Canadian dollar.
Choosing alternative brands can help shoppers avoid tariff-related price increases while still buying their desired products at lower costs.
Latest Changes in US-Canada Tariffs
On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, with energy resources facing a lower 10% tariff. These tariffs will take effect on March 4, 2025, after a 30-day delay negotiated between the US and Canada.
According to President Trump, the tariffs aim to address illegal immigration and the spread of illegal drugs. He claimed that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was used to justify the decision and emphasized that protecting American citizens is his top priority.
In response, the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has proposed a 25% imposed retaliatory tariff on US goods entering Canada. Initially set to take effect on February 4, this measure has also been postponed for 30 days.
Despite the delay, the looming trade war between the two countries raises concerns about its economic impact on both sides of the border.
Impact of The 25% Tariffs (If Implemented)
Here's a breakdown of potential impacts:
Increased Consumer Prices. When tariffs are imposed, the cost of producing goods often increases. Manufacturers may pass these increased costs on to consumers through higher product prices.
Supply Chain Disruptions. Due to tariffs, businesses that rely on US-made components may encounter difficulties sourcing those parts. This can lead to production delays and disruptions in their supply chains.
Economic Uncertainty. The threat of tariffs creates an unstable economic environment. This uncertainty makes it harder for businesses to make long-term investments and plan for the future.
Canadian Dollar Fluctuations. The potential for tariffs can influence the value of the Canadian dollar. Fluctuations in the dollar (either up or down) can affect the purchasing power of Canadians, making imports more or less expensive.
Remember, if the new tariffs are implemented, the 25% tariff will apply onlyto products made in the US. This tariff war would not affect products made elsewhere and imported from the US.
US Brands to Avoid And Alternatives
With potential tariffs to start, now is the right time for Canadians to explore alternatives to US brands. Choosing non-US manufactured brands can reduce the impact of duties and taxes while enjoying the convenience of international online shopping.
Here are some US brands and their alternatives worth considering:
Biens d'équipement
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Authenticity50
Christofle (France)
Bedding, Towels, Blankets
Brentwood Home
Frette (Italy)
Mattresses, Pillows
Maine Heritage Weavers
Tempur Sealy (UK)
Blankets
Pendleton
Johnstons of Elgin (Scotland)
Blankets, Throws
Brahms Mount
IKEA (Sweden) / Hanssem (South Korea)
Blankets, Linens / Furniture
Kitchen and Cookware
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
East Fork
Wedgwood (UK)
Dinnerware
Fiesta Dinnerware
Riedel (Austria)
Dinnerware / Glassware
Pyrex
Le Creuset (France)
Glassware / Cast Iron Cookware
Lodge Cast Iron
Mauviel (France)
Cast Iron Cookware / Stainless Steel Cookware
All-Clad
Bosch (Germany)
Stainless Steel Cookware / Blenders
Vitamix
Blenders
Clothing and Footwear
US Brands to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Géant américain
Uniqlo (Japan)
Casual Clothing
Allen Edmonds
Church's (UK)
Men's Dress Shoes
Alden
Men's Dress Shoes
Frye
Dr. Martens (UK)
Boots
New Balance
ASICS (Japan)
Running Shoes
Electronics and Tools
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Snap-on Tools
Wera (Germany)
Hand Tools
Stand Mixers (Germany)
Stand Mixers
Miscellaneous
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Zippo Lighters
S.T. Dupont (France)
Lighters
KitchenAid Stand Mixers
Bosch (Germany)
Stand Mixers
Airstream Trailers
Burro (UK)
Trailers
Snacks
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Cheez-Its
Jacob's (UK)
Cheese Crackers
Pringles
Walkers (UK)
Stackable Chips
Pop-Tarts
Jammie Dodgers (UK)
Toaster-Baked Pastries
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Tunnock's (Scotland)
Peanut Butter Treats
Cheetos/Doritos
Beef Jerky
Beef Jerky
Kettle Brand Chips
Kettle Chips UK
Natural Chips
Goldfish Crackers
Crackers
Oreos
McVitie's (UK)
Sandwich Cookies
Drinks
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Coca-Cola
Irn-Bru (Scotland)
Soda
Pepsi
Soda
Dr Pepper
Soda
Monster Energy
Red Bull (Austria)
Energy Drink
Lipton Iced Tea
Twinings (UK)
Iced Tea
Welch's Juice
Tropicana (UK)
Fruit Juice
Gatorade
Lucozade (UK)
Sports Drink
Root Beer
A&W Root Beer (Canada)
Root Beer
Makeup Brands
US Brand to Avoid
Alternative Brand
Product Focus
Tarte Cosmetics
L'Occitane (France)
Eco-Friendly Makeup
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Kevyn Aucoin (UK)
Brow Products
Milk Makeup
Nuxe (France)
Mineral-Based Makeup
BareMinerals
Charlotte Tilbury (UK
Innovative Products
Smashbox
Dr. Hauschka (Germany)
Natural & Organic Makeup
RMS Beauty
Natural & Organic Makeup
Réflexions finales
International trade is complicated, and tariff situations can change quickly. Therefore, staying informed about the evolving trade policies between the US and Canada and checking alternative brands is crucial for making cost-effective purchasing decisions.
Shop Around The World with Shippsy
Despite the current trade challenges, Shippsy remains committed to providing Canadians with an affordable and smooth shipping experience. Our package forwarding service lets you shop from any online store and have your purchases sent to Canada.
Here's how to enjoy shipping with us:
Create a Shippsy account and receive your US shipping address.
Take advantage of US-only deals and discounts to save money and get more for your budget.
Update your Shippsy account with the expected package details.
Once your package arrives at our US warehouse, we'll forward it to Canada.
To reiterate, only products made in the US are subject to the 25% tariff. The tariff won't affect your purchases from non-US-made brands, even if they're shipped to our US warehouse before being forwarded to Canada. Happy Shopping!
Jay Alagon est directeur commercial de Shippsy, dont l'objectif est de permettre aux Canadiens d'accéder à tous les détaillants américains sans avoir à se soucier des frais d'expédition élevés, des longs délais de livraison et de la paperasserie compliquée associée aux achats transfrontaliers. En dehors de son travail, il pratique les arts martiaux et le travail du bois.
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