Drop in US Sales since the Tariff?

Data and Analytics

Topic summary

A UK-based seller reports a significant drop in US sales since tariff introduction, particularly in October, despite absorbing all tariff costs so US customers pay no extra fees.

Key concern: Uncertainty whether US consumer hesitation stems from tariff-related anxiety or other factors.

Perspectives shared:

  • One respondent suggests the decline reflects US consumers preferring to support domestic businesses rather than tariff concerns, comparing it to local purchasing habits. Mentions that stocking products in major US retailers might help.
  • Another confirms similar patterns among UK sellers, noting that tariff news creates general caution around international purchases even when costs are covered.

Recommended actions:

  • Add prominent messaging at checkout reassuring US customers of no additional fees
  • Analyze site analytics to identify where drop-off occurs (checkout vs. earlier funnel stages)
  • Consider adjusting retargeting or advertising strategy

Status: Discussion remains open with no definitive solution, though contributors suggest the market may stabilize once consumers realize pricing hasn’t changed.

Summarized with AI on October 23. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi! My business in based in the UK, and ever since the introduction of the tariffs my sales to the US has taken a steep decline. Especially during the month of October. I am also covering the costs of the tariffs, so nothing changes for the US consumer. Just wondered if anyone else has seen a drop off as well? Not sure if US consumers are now nervous, despite the fact I am covering the tariffs entirely? Any feedback would be so appreciated. Thanks so much, Margarita

2

It’s not that American consumers are nervous. We just want to buy from our own. We want to support our local companies, just like you do. You buy materials and supplies from your local store. So do we. If you had your product in Home Depot or Michael’s, I’m sure people would buy it.

3

Hi @Margarita29

Yes, you’re definitely not alone in seeing that, a few UK sellers I know have noticed similar drops from US buyers lately. Even if you’re covering the tariffs, many shoppers just see the news about “extra fees” and get cautious, especially around international orders.

You’ve done the right thing by absorbing the costs (that’s a big plus for trust), but it might help to reassure US visitors directly on your site, for example, add a banner or note in checkout that says “No extra fees for US customers, we’ve got you covered!”

You can also check your analytics to see if the drop is mainly at checkout or earlier in the funnel. If it’s checkout, messaging may fix it; if it’s earlier, maybe retargeting or ads need a tweak.

Hang in there, these market shifts tend to balance out once shoppers realize nothing’s changed for them

Hope this help :star_struck: