As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving to celebrate gratitude, good food, and togetherness, there’s another holiday tradition already knocking at the door…shopping season. More specifically, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
For shoppers, it’s the thrill of the deal. For importers and retailers, it’s the scramble to keep prices competitive in a tariff-heavy economy. And this year, that challenge may hit harder than ever.
According to a recent LendingTree analysis, if today’s tariff had been in place last holiday season, American consumers would have paid an additional $26.6 billion for imported gifts, that’s about $132 more per shopper. The biggest tariff impacts would have landed squarely on electronics and clothing, which together represent roughly 60% of the added cost burden.
When you think about the millions of consoles, tablets, and smartwatches on wish lists this season, those numbers hit home fast.
From PlayStations to Patio Sets, No Category is Safe
The effects extend well beyond tech and apparel. Furniture, toys, home decor, and other consumer goods (even handmade or small-batch products from sellers on Etsy, Shein, and Temu) are all being swept into the tariff tide.
That includes de minimis shipments, the low-value parcels that typically bypass formal customs processes. With tariffs now creeping into this space, even small online sellers and consumers buying directly from overseas platforms are feeling the pinch.
Furniture importers are also bracing for the bump. Materials like wood and metal, already under Section 301 and 232 tariffs, are driving up costs long before a couch or dining room table reaches the showroom floor. Meanwhile, toy and electronics retailers are juggling supply chain uncertainty just as peak season hits, which is not an ideal setup for what’s supposed to be the most profitable time of year.
Who’s paying for Tariffs?
Analysts estimate that US consumers will absorb about 55% of current import tax costs, while domestic businesses take on roughly 22% and foreign exporters 18%. In practical terms, that means whether you’re buying a flat-screen TV, importing jewelry for resale, or managing a catalog of consumer goods, tariffs are shaping pricing decisions at every step of the supply chain. Even gaming giants like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have cited market conditions as reasons behind recent US price increases.
While overall inflation remains below its 2022 highs, the impacts of tariffs continue to show up in pricing data and in consumer expectations. A National Retail Federation (NRF) survey found 85% of shoppers expect higher prices this holiday season, even as spending is projected to remain near record levels.
What Importers Can Be Thankful For: Technology That Makes Trade Compliance Easier
For importers, the ability to automate tariff tracking and compliance is one silver lining this holiday season. And that’s where Quickcode.ai comes in.
We help importers stay compliant and competitive by automating HS/HTS code classification and continuous monitoring of trade regulations. When new tariffs, exclusions, or Chapter 99 provisions roll out, Quickcode.ai alerts you instantly. That means your team can assess exposure, adjust sourcing, or even apply for exclusions before the added costs hit your bottom line. It’s trade compliance that works in real time without spreadsheets, guesswork, or missed updates.
Our AI engine reads product descriptions the way an expert classifier would, recommending the most accurate HTS codes and flagging any changes across customs, PGAs, and the USITC. Whether you’re managing a thousand SKUs or a hundred thousand, Quickcode.ai scales with you so you can focus on strategy, not data entry.
Stay Ahead of Tariffs This Holiday Season
While tariffs and trade policies may be unpredictable, compliance doesn’t have to be, and that’s something to be thankful for. If you’re an importer, customs broker, or logistics professional, now is the time to ensure your product data is accurate, your tariff exposure is transparent, and your compliance strategy is proactive.
While shoppers are hunting for Black Friday bargains, the real savings for importers come from avoiding expensive misclassifications, surprise duties, and customs delays.
A Smart Way to Close the Year
This holiday season, be thankful for automation that makes trade compliance simpler and smarter. With Quickcode.ai, your business can:
- Monitor tariff changes in real time (including Section 301 and 232 updates)
- Automate HTS classification to avoid costly errors
- Identify exposure to de minimis, Chapter 99, and other special tariffs
- Maintain compliance visibility even when brokers handle filings
Don’t let tariffs steal your holiday cheer or your profits. Start automating your compliance with Quickcode.ai.