Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Antique Retailers
Lana Bain and her husband have navigated the antique sales landscape online for nearly three decades, yet the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs has profoundly disrupted their business.
Initially, the changes brought confusion and inflated prices. However, the pivotal moment arrived in August 2025 when the cessation of the de minimis loophole—previously allowing goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free—stripped away a vital component of their operations.
Residing just across the U.S.-Canada border in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Bain faced a precarious situation alongside her husband, Brad. Their enterprise encompasses two independent websites, three storefronts on Ruby Lane, a Shopify site, multiple Etsy shops, and an eBay presence.
The couple’s journey commenced on AuctionWeb, which would eventually metamorphose into eBay. In 1995, the platform lacked any visual components, a stark contrast to today’s standards.
“The last week of August 2025 marked a paradigm shift,” Bain recounted. “We found ourselves with no means to ship our existing orders. It was catastrophic. Canada Post suspended all shipping to the U.S., creating absolute chaos. We had to issue refunds across the board.”
Bain revealed the toll it took, stating she endured sleepless nights for an entire month. “What is happening? After 29 years online, to face this turmoil is terrifying. It’s devastating. Bills continue to arrive, groceries must be procured; what can one do?”
Compounding their financial woes, the Bains had warehouses brimming with antiques, much of which had been curated with American buyers in mind. Fortunately, once Canada Post permitted pre-payment of tariffs, the couple promptly adopted that strategy to alleviate some burdens from their customers.
The fiscal ramifications of taxes and fees have become increasingly burdensome on their operation. For instance, a vintage handkerchief priced at $35 incurs roughly $17 in taxes and fees, nearly half of the item’s cost.
“We’re pre-paying every tariff, and those charges erode our profits, which can swing dramatically—from a potential 40% to a mere 10%, if we’re fortunate,” she explained.
In light of these challenges, the couple plans to pivot to a new model by opening a 1,200-square-foot physical store on their property in the upcoming year.
Bain expressed this necessity clearly: “We’re launching our brick-and-mortar shop in the spring; we cannot continue under these conditions.”
The grassroots organization, We Pay the Tariffs, has voiced its opposition to tariffs, revealing that American businesses and consumers faced $175 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports from March to October 2025.
“The October tariff statistics unveil extraordinary costs burdening American merchants and consumers. Each release clarifies the extensive ramifications,” asserted Dan Anthony, Executive Director of We Pay the Tariffs. “The administration is acutely aware of the adverse effects these tariffs impose on affordability.”
As discussions unfold, the U.S. Supreme Court is anticipated to render a decision regarding the legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with a ruling expected imminently.
Source link: Myhometowntoday.com.
