When Trump Brings Gifts: Accounting for Parcel Politics in Your Year-End Audit
When Trump Brings Gifts: Accounting for Parcel Politics in Your Year-End Audit Well, grab your balance sheets and secure your paperclips, because post‑tariff Carnival is officially in full swing—and you’re invited whether you like it or not. President Trump’s May 2025 surprise cut—chopping duties on sub‑$800 parcels from China and Hong Kong from a punishing 120% down to a (still-palatable) 54%, and striking that dreaded $200 levy from existence—has sent ripples across supply‑chain spreadsheets, CFO groupchats, and yes, the humble expense‑approval inbox. Here’s how the next few accounting periods are shaping up: 1. The COGS Conundrum: Margin Mirage or Volume Victory? The first domino to topple is Cost of Goods Sold. With import taxes now 66 percentage points lighter, your landed cost calculation needs a major reset. If you’re an online retailer or boutique importer, suddenly your widget that cost you $100 to get through customs might only set you back $54—or less, if freight ne...