You’re probably seeing headlines, getting texts, or reading posts in your seller groups. And yeah, it’s true—things just got real. But before you panic or start raising prices, let’s break this down together. What’s actually happening? How does it impact your Amazon business? And what should you really do right now?
Here’s What’s Going On: How Tariffs Affect Amazon Sellers
Trump just announced a 90-day tariff pause—but here’s the catch: it doesn’t apply to China. On the surface, it sounds like good news, but dig a little deeper and it’s clear that most Amazon sellers won’t benefit.
What Is a Tariff?
A tariff is a tax added to products imported from other countries. Think of it like a toll for goods entering the U.S.
Why use tariffs?
- To encourage people to buy American-made products
- To push back against unfair trade from other countries
- To collect extra money for the government
So, if something is made overseas, a tariff can make it more expensive for U.S. buyers. It’s all part of how countries manage trade.
Why Does Trump Want Tariffs?
Trump says “tariffs will encourage US consumers to buy more American-made goods, increase the amount of tax raised and lead to huge levels of investment in the country.”
He wants to reduce the gap between the value of goods the US buys from other countries and those it sells to them. He argues that America has been taken advantage of by “cheaters” and “pillaged” by foreigners.
The Impact:
Around 65% of Amazon sellers still rely on Chinese suppliers, and for them, nothing changes. That temporary break in tariffs? It’s for other countries. If your goods are coming from India, Vietnam, or even the U.S., great—you’re in the clear (at least for now).
But if China is still your primary source, you could be facing some serious pain. A potential 125% tariff—on top of the usual import fees—could absolutely wreck your margins. That’s not just a small bump in cost; that’s a full-on financial gut punch.
So what now? You’ve got decisions to make. Either absorb the hit, pass it to customers, or start exploring other supply chain options. But don’t ignore it. This isn’t the time to wait and hope it goes away.
The sellers who act early—who prepare, diversify, and stay informed—are going to have the edge. Everyone else? They’re just going to get squeezed. Hard.
What Should Sellers Do Right Now for This: Tariff Impact on Amazon FBA?
First—don’t panic. Really. If your inventory isn’t hitting the port today, just breathe. This whole tariff drama? It shifts fast. One minute it’s a big headline, the next it’s dialed back or delayed. We’ve been through this before, and most times, the panic fades faster than the headlines do.
Smart Seller Moves During Tariff Uncertainty: Tips for Amazon sellers dealing with tariffs
- Don’t Panic Price Hike
Avoid emotional, knee-jerk changes to pricing or listings—they usually hurt more than help. - Assess Your Real Risk
Check how tariffs specifically affect your SKUs, suppliers, and cost structure before making any decisions. - Plan, Don’t React
If you are impacted, explore strategic options like supplier diversification, production shifts, or new shipping routes. - Only Act If Necessary
Don’t waste time fixing what isn’t broken—respond only to actual changes affecting your margins. - Protect Customer Experience
Never compromise on product quality or fulfillment to cut costs. Long-term success depends on consistency. - Strategy Over Stress
Stay informed, stay calm, and make smart moves while others panic. Let the dust settle before taking action.
Know Your Numbers
Now’s the time to get clear on your costs. Look at your landed cost (product + shipping + duties), and your margins. If your $5 item suddenly costs $10 to land, that doesn’t mean you need to go from $40 to $80 on Amazon. Be smart. Raise with intention—not fear.
Talk to your supplier. This might be a perfect opportunity to renegotiate. They don’t want to lose your business, and with all the noise, they might be open to better terms.
Perspective: Tariffs vs. Amazon Fees (Dealing with China Tariffs as an Amazon Seller)
Let’s not forget—Amazon has been increasing fees all year. They didn’t touch referral fees for 2025, but they did bump up storage, coupons, and other hidden charges. You’ve already survived that. So don’t let this feel like the end of the world.
Keep your focus on what really matters: your pricing strategy and conversion rates.
As Warren Buffett said, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”
If your competitors panic and jack up their prices, and you hold steady? You just might win more Buy Box share and rank higher.
Thinking About Leaving China?
Thinking About Switching Suppliers? Read This First.
A lot of Amazon sellers are asking:
“Should I switch suppliers because of tariffs?”
Here’s the honest truth:
For most of us, that’s not really a feasible move right now.
What About Other Countries?
Yes, countries like India, Vietnam, and Mexico are being talked about as alternatives. They sound promising—but:
- They’re not always cheaper than China
- They may lack speed, reliability, or product range
- And building a new supply chain takes months or even years
“You can’t just flip a switch and start sourcing from a new country. It takes time, trust, and testing.”
Why China Might Still Be the Right Call
Even with tariffs in play, China might still be your best option when you factor in:
- Price
- Product quality
- Production consistency
So don’t jump ship unless you’ve actually run the numbers and found a better deal.
What You Should Do Right Now: Selling on Amazon with Tariffs
- Negotiate aggressively with your current suppliers
- Use your order history and reliability as leverage
- Stay flexible and explore backup options without committing too soon
“Your strongest asset right now is your relationship. Don’t underestimate how far that can go in today’s environment.”
When Amazon Sellers Actually Should Take Action?
If your inventory is en route or landing soon at a U.S. port, now is the moment to shift from reactive to strategic. You’re not dealing with speculation—you’re working with real numbers, real inventory, and real costs.
Step 1: Analyze the Market
Before touching your prices, gather intelligence:
- Are your competitors raising their prices?
- Are they holding steady?
- Are they offering discounts to boost sales?
“Understanding the pricing landscape gives you the power to act, not react.”
Step 2: Leverage Strategic Pricing
Depending on what you uncover, you have a few smart options:
Hold steady: If others are increasing prices, you could gain visibility and conversions by staying where you are.
Test small increases: If your costs are rising, don’t be afraid to adjust—just do it in small, calculated steps.
Avoid rash moves: Changing prices too quickly without data can hurt more than help.
“Sometimes, holding your price while others hike theirs is your best play.”
Step 3: Let Data Lead the Way
This is the time to dig into your analytics. Watch:
- Sessions (traffic)
- Conversion rate
- Ad performance
- Inventory movement
This isn’t about emotions—it’s about metrics.
Looking Long-Term?
Will these tariffs last forever? Probably not.
Trade policies change. Political pressure builds. Eventually, there’s usually a deal—maybe China agrees to buy more U.S. goods, maybe a new administration takes a different approach. Either way, this situation likely isn’t permanent.
That said, smart sellers aren’t just waiting for things to blow over. If you’re thinking long-term, this is the perfect time to prepare and get ahead. Start evaluating your supply chain, not because you need to move everything tomorrow, but because flexibility is power. Look into alternative sourcing countries. Build relationships. Test small orders. See how other suppliers perform.
Also, take this chance to dial in your operations—your packaging, your shipping methods, even your product selection. Everything that helps you stay profitable in a high-cost environment will help even more once things normalize.
And remember, while others are stuck reacting, you’ll be building resilience. That’s what separates short-term hustlers from real brands. You don’t need to overhaul your business overnight, but if you’re laying the groundwork now, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
The sellers who think ahead, stay flexible, and move with strategy, not panic, will come out stronger when the dust finally settles.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line?
“Don’t panic. Don’t rush. Don’t make emotional decisions.”
Tariffs can be annoying, frustrating, and expensive—but they’re not a death sentence. If you understand your numbers, talk to your suppliers, and stay calm and strategic, you’ll come out stronger.
This isn’t the first curveball we’ve seen in eCommerce—and it won’t be the last. Smart sellers adapt.
And if you’re feeling stuck, unsure what to do next, or just need help breaking it all down—reach out to us at info@ecomclips.com.
We’ll help you navigate this with a cool head and a clear plan.