Original title: The tariff apocalypse is here
As President Donald Trump’s August 29th deadline for new tariffs rolled around, the first thing that I thought of was 2026 planners. In July, Trump signed an executive order essentially killing a little-known but highly consequential trade rule, which meant that purchases coming from abroad — like $100 in planners and accessories — could enter the US duty-free. My preferred planner, the Hobonichi Techo, is printed and shipped from Japan. With the de minimis exemption removed, my tax bill could be between $15 and $100 — or more, depending on how the increased costs are factored. Was I willing to risk paying as much in fees, duties, and shipping as my items cost, essentially doubling the cost? For months, Americans — and businesses abroad — have lived in something resembling a hostage situation. Trump’s tariffs have boomeranged back many times over; terms are negotiated, canceled, and reinstated more times than anyone can count. Shoppers stock up on what they predict will go up in price.