What Tariffs Mean for Creators (and Your Income)

Hey friends,

Let’s talk about something that’s probably not on your radar but should be.

Tariffs.

Recently, the Trump administration reinstated and expanded import tariffs. That means higher costs on everything from clothing and gear to electronics and packaging. If you're a creator selling physical products or planning to, this matters more than you think.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• A 10% universal import tax is now in place.

• Imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are hit even harder (10–25%).

• The cost of manufacturing overseas just got more expensive.

Why that matters to you:

If you're running merch, supplements, prints, candles, anything tangible, you’re likely sourcing from abroad. Even if you’re just getting started, the platforms and suppliers you’ll use are adjusting prices. Your margins shrink. That $10 hoodie cost might now be $12. Multiply that across every unit? It adds up.

Now imagine a creator scaling a product drop without knowing their new breakeven point. (by the way get our profit & loss sheet here)

But it’s not just products.

Brand partners are being hit too. That means tighter budgets, slower campaigns, and lower initial offers for sponsorships. If you're wondering why your inbox has been quieteror why that $3K offer turned into $1,500, it’s all connected.

This isn’t about panic. It’s about awareness. And leverage.

Here’s what you can do:

• If you sell merch, review your cost structure now.

• If you’re negotiating deals, know your worth and the value you’re delivering.

• Diversify income streams with low-overhead offers (digital products, services).

• Start tracking how much revenue you generate for brands. This will be gold when budgets tighten and brands are prioritizing ROI. You can email me at [email protected] to access my brand deal calculator for free.

If you're not sure where to start, I built a free Cashflow Tracker and a Brand Deal Calculator. They’re made to help you price smarter and grow cleaner, even when the economy throws a wrench.

Shoot me a reply and I’ll send them over.

Let’s keep building like pros.

Kayla