^{Photo: St Vincent Times}

When Tariffs Hit Home: A Surprise at the Doorstep

When Dave Yeske, a certified financial planner based in San Francisco, ordered a vintage side table from Mexico through an online antique marketplace, he expected to pay about $1,980. What he didn’t anticipate was a follow-up demand from UPS for nearly $1,170 in additional customs fees — required before they would deliver the disassembled furniture.

“That was a gut punch,” said Yeske, managing director of Yeske Buie, a wealth management firm. “We always expect some tariff costs to be baked into the price, but this was the most explicit way possible to feel the impact.”

The delivery came in two boxes, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection charged about $585 for each one. It was a sharp, unexpected reminder of how President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies are affecting ordinary American consumers — not just multinational corporations.

How Tariffs Work and Why They’re Rising

Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, typically paid by the importing company. But in practice, those costs almost always get passed down to the buyer — either embedded in the retail price or, as in Yeske’s case, as a separate bill after purchase.

Under Trump’s latest tariff regime, more than a dozen countries — including Mexico — now face steep import levies starting August 1. Earlier in the year, a 25% tariff on imports from both Mexico and Canada was announced and briefly implemented before being paused on products qualifying under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Products that don’t meet those trade agreement terms still face the 25% rate.

On July 9, Trump added further pressure, declaring a 50% tariff on copper imports, adding to the list of affected goods. According to a July 10 report from the Budget Lab at Yale University, the average U.S. household could see their annual expenses increase by $2,400 due to tariff-driven price hikes by the end of 2025.

Growing Costs, Growing Confusion

According to UPS, the fees Yeske paid were assessed by U.S. Customs, not the delivery company itself. When UPS brings a shipment into the country, it becomes the “importer of record,” responsible for paying duties, taxes, and fees. Retailers can choose to absorb those costs or, more commonly, push them onto the buyer.

Experts say Yeske’s case isn’t unique. Following the first wave of tariffs in early 2025, many consumers began receiving tariff-related payment requests from couriers like UPS or FedEx. While legitimate in many cases, there has also been a surge in scams mimicking these requests — making it even harder for buyers to distinguish real charges from fraud.

Bernie Hart, Vice President of Customs at Flexport, said the recent spike in tariffs has made it difficult for companies to absorb the cost. “In today’s world, the dollar amount is too big to not pass it on,” he said.

What to Know Before Ordering International Products

If you’re planning to order from overseas, experts advise taking several precautions:

1. Know where the item is shipped from.
If it’s already in a U.S. warehouse or distribution center, you likely won’t face extra customs charges. If it’s being shipped internationally, tariffs, taxes, and processing fees could apply.

2. Watch for scams.
Requests for payment might be real — but they might also be fraudulent. Be cautious with emails or texts demanding payment. Do not click links. Instead, go directly to the shipping carrier’s website or call them using a verified phone number.

3. Look for official documentation.
Legitimate tariff bills often include a CBP Form 7501 — the official U.S. government document detailing customs duties and taxes.

4. Know your return rights.
If you refuse delivery to avoid high fees, you may be stuck dealing with the seller’s return policy — which might include restocking fees or non-refundable shipping costs. UPS or FedEx may also seek reimbursement for any import fees they’ve already paid on your behalf.

“These costs can be substantial,” said Hart. “You could be out more than you expected, even if you never receive the product.”

Inflation and Interest Rates Also Under Pressure

Tariffs are not just affecting shipping costs. The Federal Reserve has kept interest rates elevated at 4.25%–4.5% since December, partly due to economic uncertainty created by tariffs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently said that if not for the unpredictability of the White House’s trade policies, the central bank might have already started cutting rates.

In the meantime, borrowing remains expensive. Credit card interest rates are hovering near record highs, and consumer debt continues to grow.

Bottom Line: Proceed With Caution

Tariffs are becoming a more visible — and painful — part of the online shopping experience, especially for imported items. For consumers, the best defense is awareness: understand where your product is coming from, what trade rules apply, and what recourse you have if extra fees appear.

Yeske, reflecting on his costly side table, offered a simple piece of advice: “Start with a suspicious state of mind. It could save you hundreds, if not more.”