Cruisers planning to shop in Mexico or Canada will no longer receive “duty-free shopping” under President Trump’s recent executive order. Now, tariff taxes will technically apply to imported goods from Mexico and Canada, which could significantly impact shopping for cruisers visiting Mexican and Canadian ports.
Travelers embarking on cruises from the United States to Canada or Mexico should be aware of significant changes in U.S. customs regulations that will impact duty-free shopping. President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders have introduced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, effective February 4, 2025.
Notably, these orders eliminate the “de minimis” exemption for goods of Canadian or Mexican origin, which previously allowed travelers to bring back certain amounts of goods without incurring taxes.
Understanding the changes and potential impact
Many cruisers look forward to duty-free shopping in Mexico during their sailing, so the impact could be significant. These in-port purchases could include souvenirs, alcohol, Mexican vanilla, cigarettes, medication, and more.
Now, if you purchase anything while in Mexico or Canada during your cruise, you will technically need to declare your purchases and pay the new 25% tariff.
Previously, U.S. travelers could bring back up to $800 worth of goods from Canada or Mexico without paying duties, under the de minimis exemption. This exemption has been removed for items originating from these countries.
All goods purchased in Canada or Mexico and brought into the United States will now be subject to a 25% tariff, regardless of their value.
For cruise passengers, these changes mean that any souvenirs, gifts, or other items purchased during port visits in Canada or Mexico will incur a 25% duty upon re-entry into the United States. This includes items that were previously duty-free, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other goods under the $800 threshold.
Preparing for re-entry
It’s unclear at this time how the U.S. customs will enforce the tariff for cruise ship passengers. However, there are a few precautionary steps you should consider if you’re cruising in the coming weeks.
- Documentation: Keep detailed receipts of all purchases made during your trip.
- Customs declarations: Be prepared to declare all items acquired in Canada or Mexico upon returning to the U.S.
- Budgeting: Factor in the additional 25% tariff when planning your purchases to avoid unexpected expenses.
With the implementation of these new tariffs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may experience increased processing times. Travelers should be prepared for possible delays during customs inspections as the new regulations are enforced.
The recent executive orders represent a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, particularly affecting travelers who plan to shop during cruises to Canada and Mexico. Staying informed and prepared will help ensure a smoother re-entry process and prevent unexpected costs.
