Trump's imposed tariffs are causing disruptions in the timely delivery of merchandise.
In this era of back-and-forth tariffs, there's no predicting when your package might arrive, or if it ever will. I've learned this the hard way.
I believed a gift of jewelry I ordered online on February 2 would be delivered by February 13, as it was the last possible estimated delivery date. However, as of now, it hasn't been delivered, despite the company's initial 6-9 business day delivery estimate.
Turns out, my timing was abysmal. The day my order arrived in the U.S. on February 4 was the exact same day President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on imported goods from China, previously exempt from tariffs. This meant that not only my package but also countless others from China were subjected to more stringent inspections from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
As chaos ensued, the Trump administration paused the de minimis provision on February 7, allowing for shipments worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. tariff-free once again, subject to specific conditions.
Unfortunately, the pause came too late for my situation. The company I'd purchased from informed me on February 10 that my package was still being held at customs due to unexpected U.S. customs delays following the enacted trade laws and tariffs.
My experience isn't uncommon. Tariff-related chaos has affected individuals and businesses alike, from online shoppers to Broadway shows missing essential equipment, like yellow LED lights for their marquee signs.
Customs processing delays and longer delivery times have left many people frustrated and in the dark about when their orders will arrive.
For instance, a Broadway show was awaiting a shipment of yellow LED lights coming from China for its marquee sign, which was subject to tariffs, causing delays. The bulbs are yet to leave China.
Online shopper Heidi Newberg ordered two shirts from a Chinese-based site Yiume benefiting from the 6-9 business day delivery estimate on February 1. However, her package status just read "label created" when she checked on February 11.
The company informed her that Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs on international goods revoked the previous tariff-free policy, resulting in temporary delays as FedEx prepared the required documentation.
Despite the challenges, some businesses and individuals have managed to navigate the tariffs. Popular YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips's marketplace, LTTStore.com, informed customers that any shipments to destinations outside Canada may be on temporary hold with no known ship date at that time, primarily due to newly announced U.S. tariffs affecting LTTStore products.
While some users on the LinusTechTips Reddit page have received their orders, several users have not as yet.
Tariff-related delays and complications have also affected Dallas-based artist Cynthia Mulcahy. Her order for 600 black hibiscus seeds from China, originally estimated to take nine days, took five additional days at the port due to tariffs.
Retiree Sharon Fowler, an avid online store shopper within the San Francisco Bay area, encountered tariff-related delays for several recent orders consisting of costume jewelry, handbags, and phone accessories.
Despite the potential impact of tariffs on global trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to CNN's request for comment regarding whether new tariffs are causing delays, particularly for imports from China.
Sources:
- Rassulo, G. (2023, February 18). Retrieved from CNN: AliExpress Different Tariff Impacts Customer Orders US Deliveries SMCERS
- LinusTechTips LLCC. (2023, February 10). Notice
- Telegram. (2023, February 10). Temu Tariff Update to Customers
- Mulcahy, C. (2023, February 12). Retrieved from CNN: Unintended Consequences of US-China Tariffs Leaves Online Shoppers and Small Businesses Frustrated
- Basmaciyan, O. (2023, February 6). Retrieved from CNN: US Requires Custom Forms for Small Imports, Upending Plans for E-Retailers
Despite the temporary exemption of shipments worth less than $800 from tariffs, it barely helped alleviate the economy-wide business disruptions caused by the tariffs. Many businesses, similar to Aussiedlerbote, had to provide customers with tips on how to handle unexpected delays in shipments due to customs inspections. The chaos in the business world, resulting from tariffs, has hardly spared online shoppers like Heidi Newberg, who are now left waiting for their shipments indefinitely.
