Shopping Online Just Got Pricier: Here's Why

A big change in how packages are taxed might make online shopping more expensive. Until recently, items worth less than $800 could enter the country without extra fees. But that rule ended in August, and it could mean higher prices for shoppers. This change could hit consumers harder than they think. Before, many online purchases slipped under the radar when it came to taxes. Now, those extra costs might show up at checkout, making it clearer how tariffs affect prices. Small businesses could feel the pinch too. Larger companies often have ways to absorb these costs, but smaller ones might not. This could lead to higher prices or even fewer options for shoppers. The Trump administration closed this tax loophole in July. At the time, many people focused on big imports and exports, not everyday shopping. But this change could have a bigger impact on daily life than expected. Some experts think the inflation from tariffs will even out over time. But for now, shoppers might notice a difference, especially when buying from smaller online stores. Consumer spending has been going up, but will that continue if prices rise? Only time will tell. For now, it's something to keep an eye on.