TL;DR – Navigating the 2025 US Tariff Spike: Two Shopify Brands, Two Smart Strategies

📦 New US import tariffs are driving up landed costs for Aussie Shopify merchants.
🚫 One brand paused US shipping entirely and repurposed PDPs for wishlist & lead gen.
💸 Another passed on the tariff cost via a 3rd-party app and leaned into promo-led messaging.
🔄 There’s no one-size-fits-all—your best approach depends on margins, fulfilment, and brand priorities.
🧠 The smartest brands are using this as a CX opportunity—not just a logistics issue.

Tariffs are up. So what are Shopify brands doing about it?

With recent US import tariffs shaking up cross-border pricing, Australian Shopify merchants are being forced to rethink their strategy. The result? A split in approach—and some surprisingly clever solutions. Here’s how two very different brands handled it.

1. One brand hit pause—and turned friction into lead gen

Rather than risking abandoned carts and negative CX, this brand shut down US shipping temporarily. But instead of removing the option entirely, they repurposed PDPs with messaging like “Not shipping to the US right now? Join our wishlist and we’ll notify you.”

This turned a dead end into a data capture funnel—and a customer retention play.

2. Another brand passed the cost on—with context

The second merchant opted to continue shipping to the US and used a third-party Shopify app to calculate and display tariff costs at checkout. They added callouts across the PDP, FAQ, and cart to explain the surcharge and what it covers.

3. Strategic promos help offset the sticker shock

Knowing that a visible surcharge could cause drop-off, the brand layered in PDP-level promotions—e.g. “Free gift with your first US order” or “15% off orders over $150.” This kept the perceived value high while recovering tariff-driven friction.

4. Clarity > Confusion

No matter which path you take, being upfront about costs is critical. Customers don’t mind paying a bit more—if they understand why. What they don’t want is a surprise charge at checkout or unclear messaging about delivery changes.

5. Think customer-first, not cost-first

Both brands made different choices, but they shared one thing: empathy. They prioritised clarity, control, and customer experience over short-term fixes. Whether you pause, pass on, or absorb—make the experience intentional.

Where to Start

Check your US shipping volume. Review margins. Ask yourself: can you offset the impact with CX, messaging, or offer strategy? Test wishlist flows or a duty calculator. Then choose the path that aligns with your brand and buyer expectations.

Tariffs are a challenge—but also a chance to optimise how your brand shows up across borders.

Need help adapting your Shopify store for new global realities?
Prosper Digital helps Shopify brands respond fast to regulatory, logistical, and customer experience shifts. Talk to us today