U.S. Consumer Hit with $1,170 Tariff Fee on Furniture Order amid Rising Import Costs

A San Francisco man was shocked when his online furniture purchase triggered a $1,170 fee upon delivery — a vivid example of how U.S. tariffs on imports are increasingly burdening consumers. The charge, tied to a side table bought from Mexico, underscores how aggressively applied trade policies can directly hit household wallets.

Dave Yeske, a certified financial planner and managing director at Yeske Buie, ordered the disassembled antique table through an online marketplace in June. Priced at about $1,980, the shipment from Mexico arrived in July — but UPS demanded an additional $585 per box, totaling $1,170, in U.S. Customs and Border Protection fees before delivery.

Confused man looking at a piece of paper | Source: Pexels

“We know that tariffs show in prices no matter what, but this was like the most explicit thing imaginable,” Yeske said.

According to UPS, such fees are set by the U.S. government and depend on a product’s value and origin. As the importer of record, UPS is responsible for duties and can pass those costs to consumers if not covered by the retailer.

Yeske’s case reflects a wider trend as former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies continue to ripple through consumer purchases. With new levies including a 50% tariff on copper set to take effect August 1, and previous 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, household expenses are climbing. A recent Yale University Budget Lab report estimates tariffs could cost each U.S. household an average of $2,400 in 2025.

Confused couple | Source: Pexels

Consumers are also urged to beware of scams mimicking legitimate tariff fee requests. Experts recommend verifying such charges through official websites and documentation like U.S. Customs Form 7501.

“If you get a tariff payment request, start with a suspicious state of mind,” Yeske advised.