Products to Avoid Selling on Wix in 2025: Trump Tariff Impact Guide

Key Points

Research suggests Trump's tariffs in 2025 significantly impact imported goods, especially from China, Canada, and Mexico.
It seems likely that e-commerce sellers should avoid electronics, clothing, and furniture from high-tariff countries.
The evidence leans toward avoiding products like automotive parts and home goods due to increased costs from tariffs.

Why Avoid Certain Products?

Trump's tariffs, effective from early 2025, include a 10% universal tariff on all imports and higher rates (up to 145% for China) on specific countries, raising costs for imported goods. For a Wix store owner, selling products heavily reliant on imports from these countries can lead to higher prices, reducing competitiveness.

Products to Avoid

Electronics from China: Face up to 145% tariffs, making them expensive (Passport).
Clothing and Shoes from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh: Tariffs range from 34% to 46%, plus 10% universal tariff, increasing costs (CBS News).
Furniture from China and Vietnam: High import tariffs make these less viable (CBS News).
Automotive Parts and Steel Products: 25% tariffs plus 10% universal tariff raise prices significantly (Tax Foundation).

Alternatives

Consider USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico, which may have delayed tariffs, or domestically produced items to avoid import costs.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Products Affected by Trump's Tariffs in 2025 for E-commerce

This detailed analysis explores the impact of President Donald Trump's tariff policies in 2025 on e-commerce, particularly for Wix store owners entering the market. The tariffs, announced and implemented throughout early 2025, have created significant economic shifts, affecting import costs and pricing strategies for online retailers. Below, we examine the specific products most affected, the tariff rates, and strategic considerations for e-commerce sellers, drawing from authoritative sources such as government fact sheets, economic analyses, and industry reports.

Background on Trump's Tariffs in 2025

Trump's tariff policies in 2025, effective from February to April, include a range of measures aimed at addressing trade deficits and national security concerns. Key actions include:

A 10% universal tariff on all imports, effective April 5, 2025, as announced on April 2, 2025 (White House Fact Sheet).
Elevated reciprocal tariffs ranging from 11% to 50%, announced April 2, 2025, but delayed for 90 days, except for China, which faces a minimum 145% tariff (Wikipedia).
Specific tariffs on Canada (25% on most goods, effective March 4, 2025) and Mexico (25%, same effective date), with exemptions for USMCA-compliant goods (Tax Foundation).
China faces the highest rates, with a baseline 145% tariff on all goods, including a 20% "fentanyl tariff" and 125% reciprocal tariff, effective from February 4, 2025, with increases in March and April (White House Fact Sheet).

These tariffs have led to economic volatility, with the IMF predicting a global growth downgrade to 2.8% in 2025 and increased likelihood of a U.S. recession (BBC). For e-commerce, the increased costs of imported goods, especially from China, pose significant challenges to profitability.

Products Most Affected by Tariffs

The following table summarizes the product categories most impacted by Trump's tariffs, based on tariff rates and country of origin, which are critical for e-commerce sellers:

Product Category	Tariff Rate	Countries Affected	Effective Date	Notes
Electronics (e.g., smartphones, TVs)	Up to 145% (China), 34% (China for some)	China, Taiwan, South Korea	Feb 4, 2025 (China), various	Exemptions for some electronics, but Chinese imports still face 20% tariff (Passport).
Clothing and Shoes	34% (China), 46% (Vietnam), 37% (Bangladesh)	China, Vietnam, Bangladesh	Various, ongoing	Major apparel suppliers affected, increasing landed costs (CBS News).
Furniture	Up to 145% (China), high for Vietnam	China, Vietnam	Feb 4, 2025 (China)	30–40% imported, significant cost increase (CBS News).
Automotive Parts	25% + 10% universal	All, especially Canada, Mexico	Apr 3, 2025 (autos), before May 3 (parts)	USMCA-compliant parts exempt, but non-compliant face high tariffs (Tax Foundation).
Steel and Aluminum Products	25%	All countries	Mar 12, 2025	Expanded to include derivative articles, affecting manufacturing costs (Wikipedia).
Solar Panels	41% to 3,521%	All, especially Cambodia	Apr 2025	High rates for non-cooperative countries, impacting renewable energy products (Wikipedia).
Wine and Spirits	20% (EU), 10% (UK) + 10% universal	EU, UK	Apr 2, 2025	Could lead to over 40% cost increase for consumers (CBS News).
Coffee	10%	Brazil, Colombia	Apr 2, 2025	80% imported, minor but notable cost increase (CBS News).
Chocolate	21% (Cote d'Ivoire), 10% (Ecuador)	Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador	Various	Imported goods face tariffs, affecting specialty food items (CBS News).
Swiss Watches	31%	Switzerland	Various	High tariff impacts luxury goods market (CBS News).

Impact on E-commerce and Wix Store Owners

For Wix store owners, the high tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China, pose significant challenges. China's 145% total tariff, combined with the elimination of the de minimis exemption (effective May 2, 2025), means even small shipments face tariffs of 120% or $100 per item, increasing to $200 on June 1, 2025 (Passport). This affects popular e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which have announced price increases due to tariffs (ABC News).

Key products to avoid include:

Electronics: Especially from China, where tariffs make landed costs prohibitive. While some electronics like smartphones are exempt from reciprocal tariffs, Chinese imports still face a 20% tariff, and the universal 10% tariff applies (Passport).
Clothing and Textiles: High tariffs on China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh make apparel a risky category, with companies like Shein facing increased costs (CBS News).
Home Goods and Furniture: With China and Vietnam facing high tariffs, these categories are less viable for e-commerce sellers aiming for competitive pricing (CBS News).

Strategic Considerations

Wix store owners should consider the following strategies to mitigate tariff impacts:

Source Domestically: Products made in the U.S. avoid import tariffs, though production costs may be higher.
USMCA-Compliant Goods: For Canada and Mexico, ensure goods comply with USMCA to benefit from delayed tariffs, though compliance can be complex (Tax Foundation).
Duty Drawback: Explore recovering duties paid on re-exported goods, which can recover 99% of duties and fees (Passport).
Monitor Updates: Use resources like TrumpTradeTracker.com for real-time tariff updates and policy changes (Passport).

Economic and Market Context

The tariffs have contributed to a stock market crash and economic volatility, with the average effective tariff rate rising to 27% by April 2025, the highest in over a century (Wikipedia). Economists predict higher inflation, with the consumer price index potentially jumping to 4.5% later in 2025, contradicting Trump's claims of lower prices (CNBC). This environment suggests e-commerce sellers must adapt to higher costs and potential consumer price sensitivity.

Conclusion

Given the significant tariff increases, particularly on Chinese imports, Wix store owners should avoid selling electronics, clothing, furniture, and other goods heavily reliant on imports from high-tariff countries. By focusing on domestically produced goods or USMCA-compliant products, they can better navigate the economic landscape shaped by Trump's 2025 tariffs.