Canadians who love online shopping might soon be hit with unexpected price hikes. As the United States and China continue to escalate their tariff war, experts warn the impact may reach Canadian consumers—especially those ordering goods that pass through American distribution centers.

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 145%. In response, China retaliated with a 125% tariff on American goods. While Canada isn’t directly involved in the trade war, it may still suffer from the ripple effects.

Jean-François Ouellet, a professor at HEC Montréal specializing in international marketing, says Canadian shoppers are not immune. “Canada is often caught in the crossfire,” he explained, highlighting how Canadian e-commerce often relies on U.S. routes.

For example, many orders placed on Canadian websites, including Amazon.ca, are either shipped from U.S. warehouses or routed through American fulfillment centers. This means if a product is made in China and enters the U.S. first, it could be subject to the new tariffs—even if the final destination is in Canada.

That extra cost might ultimately be passed down to the Canadian shopper. Everything from electronics and home gadgets to clothing and accessories could see price increases.

Retail analysts say the situation is especially tricky for small and medium-sized e-commerce brands. These businesses might not have the margin flexibility to absorb the rising costs and will need to pass them on to consumers or look for alternative suppliers.

With global supply chains already strained from recent geopolitical tensions, this trade war could be the tipping point that forces major changes in how online shopping logistics are handled.

So, before you click “add to cart,” consider this: your next deal may cost more than you think—thanks to international trade politics.