The Latest Update for Our US Customers
We know how stressful and uncertain the recent US shipping changes have been, so we want to start this update with some reassurance: YOU WILL not be charged any additional tariff costs this year, your orders will be on their way shortly, and we will not be raising our prices.
As you are aware, Australia Post, our national postage carrier, recently suspended all US postal services while infrastructure for the new changes to tariffs were put into place. As of Monday the 22nd of September, they have resumed US shipping.
However, there is still some uncertainty surrounding exact payment processes, which means that we are not resuming US shipping immediately. Why? We want to make sure we are doing everything right so your parcels can arrive to you safely, without surprise fees or delays.
At Bookish & Spice, our number one priority is always keeping costs affordable for our customers. Because of this, we have decided to absorb these tariff fees on all orders for the remainder of 2025. Going forward into 2026, we are looking at alternative options for US customers with a goal of reducing pricing.
Keep reading to find out more.
When will US orders be shipped?
We are currently in the process of packing all outstanding US orders. These will be ready to ship the moment we resume US shipping. We expect to have these orders on the way to you within 7-10 business days. Once we have confirmed a date, we will let customers know.
Due to the complex nature of charging these tariffs through our ecommerce platform, From Tuesday the 23rd of September at 5pm AEST, our merch brand, Beyond the Binding, will temporarily be closing to US customers. This does not affect existing orders!
If you have an outstanding merch order, this is being packed and will be sent once we resume shipping.
Why are tariffs being applied now? Aren’t books exempt?
There was a pre-existing 7.5% tariff on books produced in China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (an amendment introduced in 2018) but up until the 29th of August, our products were exempt because of the de minimis exemption. Unfortunately, now that the de minimis exemption has ended, the 7.5% tariff is now being applied.
To clear up a large point of confusion: our books are not exempt from tariffs. This 7.5% tariff has nothing to do with the new executive order tariffs you may have seen discussed online and in our comment sections. We are exempt from those new tariffs meaning there is no additional tariff on top of the preexisting 7.5%.
Please note: As usual, US orders will be shipped DAP, meaning customers will still be responsible for paying local duties and taxes as usual, where applicable.
Exciting update for US customers:
As of early 2026, we will be utilising a US-based fulfillment centre to offset the impact of tariffs and keep costs as low as possible for our customers. To put it simply, all US orders will be shipped from a US-based facility.
Additionally, we are hopeful that we will be able to reduce our subscription pricing in the US as of early next year in an effort to be more in line with our Australian prices. More information on this will come at a later date.
For any worried Australian customers...
We are still based in Australia and will continue to be shipping from our warehouse here in Brisbane. Only customers in the Americas and potentially Canada will have their orders shipped from a US-based fulfillment centre.
We know this has all been very frustrating and confusing, and we can’t thank you enough for your patience and support while we navigate it. Our priority is, and always will be, making sure you receive your orders with as little disruption as possible.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at admin@bookishandspice.com.au
PLEASE DO NOT DM US.
Thank you for sticking with us while we navigate through this. We’re working hard behind the scenes to get US shipping back on track and to keep Bookish & Spice affordable for all of our readers around the world. As always, we will keep you updated across socials, emails, and our website as we find out more.
