US Tariffs: What U.S. Customers Need to Know
At Cutshield Hockey, our mission has always been to deliver top-tier protective gear designed by players, for players. As global trade policies evolve, we want to transparently address how recent U.S. tariff updates may affect your orders moving forward.
Understanding the Changes (Effective May 2, 2025)
Goods manufactured in China, including our PRO-AIR lines, now face additional U.S. tariffs due to their country of origin. These include:
- Standard tariffs (varies by product)
- Section 301 tariffs (7–25%)
- New IEEPA tariffs (up to 84% in some cases)
Total tariffs could exceed 170%, depending on product classification and country of origin.
How This Affects Your Order
- Shipments Over $800: Full tariffs (MFN + Section 301 + IEEPA) will apply.
- Shipments Under $800:
- Courier services (e.g., FedEx, UPS): Tariffs now apply regardless of value.
- Postal service: A 90% tariff or flat fee ($75–$150) may apply unless formal entry is required.
What Are Tariffs, and Who Pays Them?
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, collected by the U.S. government when products enter the country. While these are paid by importers, the increased costs are often passed along to consumers through higher prices. In short, these tariffs are not paid by foreign sellers or governments, but by U.S. businesses and consumers who purchase imported goods. This means the impact of tariffs is typically felt in the form of higher prices at checkout.
What We’re Doing to Help
While these policies are beyond our control, we’re actively:
- Exploring cost-optimized shipping solutions
- Monitoring exemptions that could reduce tariffs for protective gear
- Prioritizing transparency so you can make informed decisions
Looking Ahead: U.S. Warehouse Plans
To better serve our American customers and minimize the impact of these tariffs, we are actively considering setting up a dedicated U.S. warehouse. By storing inventory within the United States, we can fulfill your orders directly from within the country, helping to avoid many of the tariffs now applied to cross-border shipments from Canada. This move would also enable faster delivery times and a smoother customer experience. We’re evaluating the best locations and partners to ensure we maintain the quality and speed you expect from Cutshield.
About Our Founder and Our Commitment to You
Cutshield Hockey was founded by David Nerman, whose unique journey both on and off the ice inspires everything we do. Before creating Cutshield, David was an actor appearing in numerous movies and TV shows, bringing creativity and passion to his work. Combining his love for hockey and his diverse background, David is dedicated to innovating protective gear that keeps players safe at every level.
While tariffs and trade complexities may add challenges, our commitment to innovation, safety, and exceptional customer care remains unwavering. At Cutshield, your job is to play your best game – our job is to give you peace of mind with gear you can trust.
Your Next Steps
- Consider ordering sooner if you’re planning a bulk purchase
- Review shipping options at checkout for estimated costs
- Reach out to our team with questions – we’re here to help!
Stay safe,
The Cutshield Team
Have questions? Contact us at support@cutshield.com or visit our FAQ page.
P.S. Like a well-executed power play, we’re strategizing to keep you protected – both on the ice and at checkout. 🏒
