Your Daily Tariff Check-In: April 29, 2025

Tariff turmoil, anyone? 👀 Whether it’s a tiny tweak or a full-blown trade war, staying ahead of these changes can make or break your inventory strategy.

Here’s your April 28 update on what’s going down—and how it might affect your handmade biz.

Cargo Shipments from China to U.S. Plummet—By Up to 60%

Following former President Trump's move to hike tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, shipments have taken a nosedive.We’re talking a 60% drop in cargo volume heading to the U.S.

Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target are already sounding the alarm: expect empty shelves and rising prices by mid-May.

Not great news for anyone relying on imported packaging, components, or raw materials. If you're anything like me, this has caused many sleepless nights. I've been trying to source packaging for Q3 + it's been a nightmare. The price hikes and shipping are stressful. Especially since we've been on recurring orders with our top vendors for the past five years. I feel like everything is glitching right now.

Prime Day Deals? Don’t Hold Your Breath

With Prime Day (yep, it’s still on for July) around the corner, many sellers are rethinking their discount strategy.Why?

Because discounting imported goods taxed at 145% just isn’t feasible anymore.Some sellers are skipping the sales entirely, while others are dialing back hard.

If you’ve been stockpiling or sourcing locally—you’re sitting pretty.

China Quietly Rolls Back Retaliatory Tariffs

Here’s a small silver lining:Last Friday, China rolled back 125% tariffs on certain U.S.-made semiconductors.

It’s a strategic move (and maybe a tiny olive branch?)—but it doesn’t help much if you’re in the business of importing fragrances, packaging, or handmade supply goods from overseas.

What Handmade Sellers Should Do Right Now

• Audit your inventory: What’s at risk? Anything dependent on China? Plan now.

• Communicate with suppliers: Ask about delays, pricing updates, or alternate options.

• Consider small-batch + domestic sourcing: It’s not just on-brand—it’s a supply chain flex.

• Adjust for Q3 pricing: If your COGS are going up, your prices might need to too.
  

This is just the beginning of what could be a wild ride for product-based businesses.We’ll keep checking in—so you don’t have to obsessively refresh trade headlines.

Stay nimble. Stay informed. Stay profitable.