When Dave Yeske bought an antique side table from a seller in Mexico, he expected to pay around $1,980. What he didn’t expect was a surprise $1,170 delivery fee — courtesy of new U.S. tariffs.
Yeske, a certified financial planner based in San Francisco, was stunned when UPS informed him he’d need to pay about $585 per box — one for each of the two packages the table was shipped in — before they’d complete the delivery.
“We know tariffs affect prices, but this was the most direct hit I’ve ever seen,” said Yeske, who also serves as managing director of the wealth management firm Yeske Buie.
A Growing Cost for Consumers
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. While officially paid by the importer of record (in this case, UPS), the cost is often passed on to the end customer — sometimes very transparently.
Yeske’s experience is becoming more common under former President Donald Trump’s increasingly aggressive trade policies. Since returning to office, Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs, including a 50% duty on copper and elevated rates for at least 14 countries starting August 1.
Earlier this year, he imposed a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada, although goods covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) were briefly exempted. Products that don’t qualify under USMCA now face the full tariff rate.
The Breakdown: What Happened at Delivery
According to UPS, the assessed import fees are determined by the U.S. government based on the item’s origin and value — not by the shipping company itself.
When UPS transports international shipments into the U.S., it becomes the “importer of record” and is legally responsible for all duties and fees. However, sellers may opt to pass those costs directly to consumers, as was the case with Yeske.
“It was a legitimate charge,” he said. “The UPS driver who regularly delivers to our building handed us the bill — and we had to make the check out to UPS. This wasn’t a scam.”
The Bigger Picture: Tariffs Hit Households
A recent analysis from Yale University’s Budget Lab found that Trump’s tariffs could cost the average American household an extra $2,400 in 2025 alone.
Bernie Hart, vice president of customs at Flexport, a global logistics company, said the rising costs are forcing companies to pass those expenses along. “These fees are simply too large to absorb,” he noted.
The tariff uncertainty is also complicating the broader economy. According to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the Fed would have considered cutting interest rates this year if not for inflationary pressures caused in part by the new tariffs. Interest rates have remained steady at 4.25%-4.5% since December, helping keep credit card APRs near record highs.
Ordering Internationally? Know the Risks
Experts say consumers ordering from overseas should be cautious. If a product is already in a U.S. warehouse, it likely won’t incur extra import fees. But if it’s shipping internationally, surprise duties are possible.
“If you’re shopping online, you often don’t know where the product is coming from,” Hart said. “That’s part of the problem.”
In some cases, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection charges a processing fee before releasing imported goods. That’s legitimate. But fraudsters have also seized on the confusion, sending fake tariff payment requests via text or email.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive a request for an unexpected delivery fee, experts urge caution:
- Don’t click on links in texts or emails. Instead, visit the official website of the shipping company or retailer directly.
- Verify the charge using the company’s verified phone number.
- Look for official forms like the CBP’s 7501 import declaration document.
“Start with a suspicious state of mind,” Yeske advised. “Take a moment before handing over any money.”
If the charge is legitimate, you can refuse delivery — but doing so might not guarantee a full refund. You’ll be subject to the seller’s return policy, which could include restocking fees, return shipping charges, or lost logistics costs.
“Those costs can be substantial,” Hart warned. “So make sure you know the risks before you buy.”
Bottom Line
Trump’s expanding tariff policies are adding new hurdles — and unexpected costs — to online shopping, especially for international goods. Consumers are urged to stay informed, ask questions, and always read the fine print.
