Buyer Beware... If you're non-American, think twice before purchasing from the US

[togal]

...or better yet, don't bother. **edited, no politics**, making a simple online purchase has turned nightmarish. I've had no end of red-tape with new customs/border regulations for basic purchases via known courier companies (FedEx)... And when I say nightmare...I mean it... I was just charged $133 in import duties/taxes on a $282 dollar purchase (two little .37 carat lab diamonds)... The fun never ends... Oh...and it's held-up for days at a stretch as they ask me who I want to 'broker the package'....as if Joe Average Customer has their own border broker... It's Insane!

 

[freddyboston]

Yikes !!! 25% tariff on top of Tax + Duties !.... Funny thing is US doesn't mine / manufacturer nor polish too many Diamonds (nat nor synth) They need to re-route and ship direct to Canada from India..... Or maybe start polishing the Local Mined Rough in County......

 

[togal]

Yikes !!! 25% tariff on top of Tax + Duties !.... Funny thing is US doesn't mine / manufacturer nor polish too many Diamonds (nat nor synth) They need to re-route and ship direct to Canada from India..... Or maybe start polishing the Local Mined Rough in County......

What's going to end-up happening, is the middle-man (US) is going to be completely cut-out... Canada, where I am, will rejig how we do business... The Trump government keeps shooting itself in the foot. It defies logic.

 

[LightBright]

...or better yet, don't bother. **edited, no politics**, making a simple online purchase has turned nightmarish. I've had no end of red-tape with new customs/border regulations for basic purchases via known courier companies (FedEx)... And when I say nightmare...I mean it... I was just charged $133 in import duties/taxes on a $282 dollar purchase (two little .37 carat lab diamonds)... The fun never ends... Oh...and it's held-up for days at a stretch as they ask me who I want to 'broker the package'....as if Joe Average Customer has their own border broker... It's Insane!

What country did you export from and what country did you import to? Do vendors know about tariffs? How would one find out beforehand? If you are not American, wouldn’t it be your own country is applying the tariff you paid towards American goods.

Tariffs are a consumption tax used by many countries. The US used tariffs to fund the government before WWI, then they switched to income tax to subsidize lack of funding tariffs. NAFTA eliminated tariffs between Canada and Mexico and USA, but it helped those two other countries and changed the trade balance with China after it was granted entry into WTO. Other countries have applied tariffs to American products to protect their own production, as far as I know.

I do not yet know what to think about this decision, I’m not a financial expert, but my point is, USA used to do this, stopped in order to let other countries catch up to our economy, then started again, etc.

 

[LightBright]

**edited, last warning, no politics**

I’m sorry was I rude to you?

You didn’t answer, was the vendor aware of the tariff charges, did they tell you about them?

Just curious if new tariffs are being communicated to customers. (Are they blanket tariffs on all goods, I think they are. Is there anything exempt?) I’m curious about how we can find out ahead of time what the tariff is, for jewelry from other countries. Is it just Canada/USA? Or if I buy something from France for example, should I also expect a tariff?

 

[tyty333]

Lets see if we can get some Vendors to comment. We import most (all?) of the stones into the US, right? How are these
tariffs/reciprocal tariffs going to affect diamond prices going forward?

@Texas Leaguer @Rockdiamond Anyone else? @Karl_K - you heard anything?

 

[freddyboston]

Unless the US put tariffs on India the US consumer/buyer should be fine...

The Canada situation is a broad-based 25% CA Gov't retaliatory tariff in response to the US Steel +Alum Tariffs - again the odd thing is these diamonds mostly come from overseas - they don't "originate in the US"

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Tarrifs are stupid
a right leaning party should support free trade

 

[Rockdiamond]

I’ve not heard anything…. But I haven’t researched.
Up till recently, I was aware of taxes charged to shipments we’d sent to Canada… around 20% I believe…. But it wasn’t an issue for us- the clients have been aware 99% of the time but it still made sense to buy from us.
We have tons of Canadian clients.
Personally, I’m absolutely horrified at the way we’ve treated our neighbors and close friends.
I could not blame a Canadian one bit for seeking non US suppliers. That’s what I’d do if I was Canadian.
We now offer free shipping to Canadian clients. I want to reach out and hug a Canadian. I’m so embarrassed for my country

 

[Ella]

Folks no naming/shaming politicians. Discuss policies not people or parties.

 

[togal]

Okay, I won't mention the orange one in my commentary. And yes, I was surprised to realize that, as part of the US imposed 'trade war' on Canada, the purpose of which is a systematic approach to destabilize our economy, the prize being Canada as a "51st State", which is NEVER going to happen...however, the net result for me, at this juncture, was a very unexpected 25% extra fee at the border for purchasing a 'loose gem stone' from the United States in addition to the regular taxes that we normally pay...so it amounted to whopping 38%. The same applies to goods made of gold, even gold-plated as per the list on the Gov't of Canada website... SO, I won't be doing my shopping south of the border....because Canada is doing a silent boycott of all American manufactured products...even if the stones were grown and cut in India, but somehow pass through the US, as is the case with Loose Grown Diamond. Again, it's no ones fault, except for the person who's name I'm not supposed to mention...whose color happens to be ORANGE. No one wins in this situation. I'm lucky that my purchase was small...but it's a lesson to others that this tariff war is real, and it's hitting us where it hurts...in our pocket-book.

 

[togal]

I’m sorry was I rude to you?

You didn’t answer, was the vendor aware of the tariff charges, did they tell you about them?

Just curious if new tariffs are being communicated to customers. (Are they blanket tariffs on all goods, I think they are. Is there anything exempt?) I’m curious about how we can find out ahead of time what the tariff is, for jewelry from other countries. Is it just Canada/USA? Or if I buy something from France for example, should I also expect a tariff?

The 'tariff war'/retaliatory tariffs are between the USA and Canada. Additionally, the vendor doesn't really deal with that aspect of the sale in most cases. There's usually a disclaimer on the various vendor websites stating that foreign customers are responsible for paying duties and taxes as imposed by their respective country. Prior to March 13 we, in Canada, were taxed what we are normally taxed for goods purchased here in Canada, which is a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), which amounts to 13%. As mentioned, as of March 13, due directly to the 'tariff war' started by the Orange gov't in the US, there is an additional 25% on goods entering Canada that include loose gem stones and gold.

 

[togal]

I’ve not heard anything…. But I haven’t researched.
Up till recently, I was aware of taxes charged to shipments we’d sent to Canada… around 20% I believe…. But it wasn’t an issue for us- the clients have been aware 99% of the time but it still made sense to buy from us.
We have tons of Canadian clients.
Personally, I’m absolutely horrified at the way we’ve treated our neighbors and close friends.
I could not blame a Canadian one bit for seeking non US suppliers. That’s what I’d do if I was Canadian.
We now offer free shipping to Canadian clients. I want to reach out and hug a Canadian. I’m so embarrassed for my country

 

[togal]

I’ve not heard anything…. But I haven’t researched.
Up till recently, I was aware of taxes charged to shipments we’d sent to Canada… around 20% I believe…. But it wasn’t an issue for us- the clients have been aware 99% of the time but it still made sense to buy from us.
We have tons of Canadian clients.
Personally, I’m absolutely horrified at the way we’ve treated our neighbors and close friends.
I could not blame a Canadian one bit for seeking non US suppliers. That’s what I’d do if I was Canadian.
We now offer free shipping to Canadian clients. I want to reach out and hug a Canadian. I’m so embarrassed for my country

I'm afraid that you're going to see your Canadian client base drop exponentially until this (orange) 'tariff war' situation is brought to a halt...and we go back to more peaceful times... Between the currency exchange rate between Canada and the US, and what is now a 38% tax on loose precious and semi-precious stones and gold jewellery, I see that there will be a big drop in business. Very few Canadians are crossing the physical border into the US to shop/vacation, etc...and you'll see less and less of us purchasing from US online vendors. In addition to the whopping surcharge/tariffs, there's a lot of red-tape now involved in receiving a simple package from FedEx. Only 3 years and 10 months...and counting... And thank you for being sympathetic and apologetic to your Canadian friends. I'm sure you're not a fan of what's happening...and you guys have it worse, as that madness/clown show is your reality.

 

[Bron357]

Seeing as the majority of CVD diamonds come out of Asia / India I would look to sellers in that region.

 

[Rockdiamond]

So very sad.
I’m absolutely sure that India and other countries will take full advantage of this.
It seems so simple- tariffs are paid by the consumers. Yet somehow a fair percentage of Americans have decided to either forcefully remain ignorant of the facts and implications.
International trade has kept the world relatively peaceful since WW2
The effects of Tariffs seem so clear. They’ve led to wars in the past.
Although trade wars are also inherently violent.
I’m obviously really torn up about this. And it’s not about money

 

[togal]

So very sad.
I’m absolutely sure that India and other countries will take full advantage of this.
It seems so simple- tariffs are paid by the consumers. Yet somehow a fair percentage of Americans have decided to either forcefully remain ignorant of the facts and implications.
International trade has kept the world relatively peaceful since WW2
The effects of Tariffs seem so clear. They’ve led to wars in the past.
Although trade wars are also inherently violent.
I’m obviously really torn up about this. And it’s not about money

I think we all are... It runs deep... And yes, it's an opportunity for Canada to create deeper ties with other, more reasonable, trading partners.. I see it, ultimately, working to our advantage as the US sinks further and further into the background as a global economic leader. As much as you want to 'hug a Canadian', I feel for those who didn't vote 'orange' and are dealing with this... You're in NYC...and can only imagine... 3 years and 10 months... (blink of an eye!)

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Guess those WF diamond studs are out.

cheers--Sharon

 

[togal]

HI:

Guess those WF diamond studs are out.

cheers--Sharon

Yep...Not only is it not cost effective, we have to stand for our country and do the right thing. For those of us with a jewellery addiction, it sucks...but desperate times... 'Elbows-up' Sharon!

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Lets see if we can get some Vendors to comment. We import most (all?) of the stones into the US, right? How are these
tariffs/reciprocal tariffs going to affect diamond prices going forward?

@Texas Leaguer @Rockdiamond Anyone else? @Karl_K - you heard anything?

It's been very difficult for us to figure out what exactly is happening, largely due to the on again/off again signals coming from our government regarding the tariffs.

Needless to say, it is a matter of signifcant concern to us as we have historically done a significant portion of our business with our Canadian friends. We don't have anything concrete to report regarding recent transactions and how they may have progressed through Canadian customs, and that may be largely due to everyone being in a wait and see posture.

For what it's worth, the current administration got less than half of the US popular vote which means a majority of Americans voted for a candidate NOT proposing trade wars. I will also submit that those who did vote for this strategy did not understand the implications, either for themselves or for businesses, owing in part to a delibreate misinformation campaign about how tariffs work, who pays them, and the unknown consequences of retaliatory measures the target countries might implement.

 

[JloS]

It's been very difficult for us to figure out what exactly is happening, largely due to the on again/off again signals coming from our government regarding the tariffs.

Needless to say, it is a matter of signifcant concern to us as we have historically done a significant portion of our business with our Canadian friends. We don't have anything concrete to report regarding recent transactions and how they may have progressed through Canadian customs, and that may be largely due to everyone being in a wait and see posture.

For what it's worth, the current administration got less than half of the US popular vote which means a majority of Americans voted for a candidate NOT proposing trade wars. I will also submit that those who did vote for this strategy did not understand the implications, either for themselves or for businesses, owing in part to a delibreate misinformation campaign about how tariffs work, who pays them, and the unknown consequences of retaliatory measures the target countries might implement.

Not sure why you injected that last paragraph but that is misinformation. These political comments detracts from this forums appeal, prompting me to seek alternative communities for exploring diamonds and jewelry.

 

[MissGotRocks]

It is not misinformation but a fact. The popular vote did not glean the winner of the race; the electoral college did. It is said in relation to diamonds and tariffs and fees that may be due to countries importing from the US. I do not see it is a strictly political statement but one that addresses the issue in this thread. Things are different now than they were and ever changing it seems. Buyers in other countries want to know how their purchases may be affected by tariffs or fees when purchasing from the US.

 

[LightBright]

Not sure why you injected that last paragraph but that is misinformation. These political comments detracts from this forums appeal, prompting me to seek alternative communities for exploring diamonds and jewelry.

You are heard. I personally want to see facts (Freddyboston, thanks for the facts) I don’t want slander or apologies. The fact remains that OP paid 25% to her own government which issued a 25% blanket tariff on USA goods when USA government expressed how important it was for the border to be controlled (immigration and d—gs). Canada to their great credit immediately put policies in place to comply with USA requests about those important issues. Then taking advantage of the situation, and generating angst and animosity among their own citizens, Canada imposed their blanket 25% tariff on USA goods in March. Other foreign countries, notably Ch—a are also putting tariffs on Canadian goods (for example 2024, agriculture). USA has put recent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum (which USA companies are rightfully very concerned about), but not blanket on all goods. Yet to be decided and claimed to be open to negotiation everything else to “reduce a trade deficit” with Canada.

I don’t understand tariffs enough to know what is right, but I do know that all other countries have historically put tariffs on inbound goods to manipulate domestic prices/demand and generate income. I’m concerned about tariffs being placed on the things we care about not just here in the forum but do wonder what the plans are globally for gems and jewelry items, including from places like Etsy/ebay. How to avoid surprises is key.

 

[JloS]

My bad, he got 49.8% of the total votes which is "less than half of the US popular vote". So I guess his statement is correct and I read it incorrectly, I apologize. He won the popular vote because he got more votes than any other individual candidate, but he didn’t win a majority, since 49.8% is less than 50%. Either way, that doesn't matter. I guess I got offended when someone started call a current sitting president of a county names. So, I will just let it go.

 

[Ella]

Folks, stop talking about voting or politicians, talk policies and their effects.

 

[MissGotRocks]

My bad, he got 49.8% of the total votes which is "less than half of the US popular vote". So I guess his statement is correct and I read it incorrectly, I apologize. He won the popular vote because he got more votes than any other individual candidate, but he didn’t win a majority, since 49.8% is less than 50%. Either way, that doesn't matter. I guess I got offended when someone started call a current sitting president of a county names. So, I will just let it go.

No worries - these are trying times for all of us on many levels regardless of our own personal feelings. I do appreciate being kept abreast of these things in relation to jewelry and diamonds. Between COVID, the war in Ukraine and lab diamonds coming to the forefront, the issues with availability and pricing have seemed to be in flux. I hope the information regarding those items will continue to be forthcoming to all consumers here. Thanks for your contribution - all points of view are valid!

 

[Rockdiamond]

but do wonder what the plans are globally for gems and jewelry items, including from places like Etsy/ebay. How to avoid surprises is key

A shipment going across a border generally needs documentation. We always insure our shipments, so maybe that colors my view.
But we’ve always had to include invoices and documentation that details the item, and its value.
I don’t believe that an individual seller on Etsy or eBay shipping over a border can avoid it either. We always ship boxes. Maybe an envelope wouldn’t garner the same inspection/ paperwork requirements. But you’d be taking a risk shipping jewelry or gems in an envelope.

It’s obvious- the level of polarization and fear which exists right now.
As a businessperson who is directly impacted…. It’s a challenge to discuss these issues neutrally.
Sorry Ella. I see we’re giving you a lot of work. But I can’t imagine another place with a community like ours where we can hash things out - in relation to our common love of jewelry and gems.
Thank you.

 

[MJ_Mac]

You are heard. I personally want to see facts (Freddyboston, thanks for the facts) I don’t want slander or apologies. The fact remains that OP paid 25% to her own government which issued a 25% blanket tariff on USA goods when USA government expressed how important it was for the border to be controlled (immigration and d—gs). Canada to their great credit immediately put policies in place to comply with USA requests about those important issues. Then taking advantage of the situation, and generating angst and animosity among their own citizens, Canada imposed their blanket 25% tariff on USA goods in March. Other foreign countries, notably Ch—a are also putting tariffs on Canadian goods (for example 2024, agriculture). USA has put recent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum (which USA companies are rightfully very concerned about), but not blanket on all goods. Yet to be decided and claimed to be open to negotiation everything else to “reduce a trade deficit” with Canada.

I don’t understand tariffs enough to know what is right, but I do know that all other countries have historically put tariffs on inbound goods to manipulate domestic prices/demand and generate income. I’m concerned about tariffs being placed on the things we care about not just here in the forum but do wonder what the plans are globally for gems and jewelry items, including from places like Etsy/ebay. How to avoid surprises is key.

It was never about immigration and drugs. That is the narrative being spewed. Don’t bother reporting my post to Ella as I’ll be reporting it to her myself. I’m tired of how Canadians are being thought of as the poor relations who are always trying to take advantage of their wealthy American cousins. .

 

[togal]

It's been very difficult for us to figure out what exactly is happening, largely due to the on again/off again signals coming from our government regarding the tariffs.

Needless to say, it is a matter of signifcant concern to us as we have historically done a significant portion of our business with our Canadian friends. We don't have anything concrete to report regarding recent transactions and how they may have progressed through Canadian customs, and that may be largely due to everyone being in a wait and see posture.

For what it's worth, the current administration got less than half of the US popular vote which means a majority of Americans voted for a candidate NOT proposing trade wars. I will also submit that those who did vote for this strategy did not understand the implications, either for themselves or for businesses, owing in part to a delibreate misinformation campaign about how tariffs work, who pays them, and the unknown consequences of retaliatory measures the target countries might implement.

My understanding is that tariffs weren't even part of the campaign. The whole talk of tariffs/trade wars, were not mentioned until after orange was brought into power.

It was never about immigration and drugs. That is the narrative being spewed. Don’t bother reporting my post to Ella as I’ll be reporting it to her myself. I’m tired of how Canadians are being thought of as the poor relations who are always trying to take advantage of their wealthy American cousins. .

I agree that it's difficult to discuss the issue of newly implemented retaliatory tariffs on loose diamonds/gemstones/gold on this forum, where this conversation has relevance, whilst remaining neutral on the subject. It's not a secret that this current 'trade war', as it unfolds, was implemented under a false pretense. As a Canadian, it's impossible to discuss it with neutrality at this juncture. And if my use of the word 'orange' was perceived as 'name calling' then so be it. I think I'm affording far more respect than is deserved under the current circumstances, which are ultimately impacting all of us in a negative way. This discussion IS important, in that it relates to the worldwide gem trade... People don't know what they've got...until it's gone...

 

[togal]

You are heard. I personally want to see facts (Freddyboston, thanks for the facts) I don’t want slander or apologies. The fact remains that OP paid 25% to her own government which issued a 25% blanket tariff on USA goods when USA government expressed how important it was for the border to be controlled (immigration and d—gs). Canada to their great credit immediately put policies in place to comply with USA requests about those important issues. Then taking advantage of the situation, and generating angst and animosity among their own citizens, Canada imposed their blanket 25% tariff on USA goods in March. Other foreign countries, notably Ch—a are also putting tariffs on Canadian goods (for example 2024, agriculture). USA has put recent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum (which USA companies are rightfully very concerned about), but not blanket on all goods. Yet to be decided and claimed to be open to negotiation everything else to “reduce a trade deficit” with Canada.

I don’t understand tariffs enough to know what is right, but I do know that all other countries have historically put tariffs on inbound goods to manipulate domestic prices/demand and generate income. I’m concerned about tariffs being placed on the things we care about not just here in the forum but do wonder what the plans are globally for gems and jewelry items, including from places like Etsy/ebay. How to avoid surprises is key.

I wouldn't frame it as Canada 'taking advantage of the situation, and generating angst and animosity among their own citizens' in as much it is a pre-emptive strike on the part of Canada to impose tariffs in reaction to the April 2 threats, and to show that we'll play hardball... I don't know enough either, on the intricacies of how it all works...but that's my understanding... It was not to 'punish' Canadians in as much as it is to show our former allies/current opponents that we won't be manipulated... Does it impinge on how we normally do business or purchase product as consumers, absolutely...but through this, I believe that Canada will find viable solutions, and not only figure it out, we'll prosper in the process... It's called a 'trade war'...and we're at war...War is never fun... As a Canadian, I willingly accept the sacrifices... Canadians are very united...and resilient...