Sterling Power Products – Update on Shipping to the United States
As of now, Sterling Power Products has temporarily disabled shipping to the United States via our website.
This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We value our global customers—including our US clients—and we take pride in providing international service. However, we also believe it is important to protect our customers from unexpected or excessive costs.
Recent changes in US trade policy and import regulation have created situations where:
- A) Customers are surprised by high import tariffs, which they are then required to pay;
- B) Customers reject the delivery, resulting in returned goods at our expense and increasing the risk of transit damage.
We would like to clarify the reasons behind this decision, particularly in light of the 8th May 2025 UK–US Trade Agreement.
Background: Changes in Tariffs and Import Rules
- On July 6th, 2018, the US enacted Section 301 Tariffs, initially imposing 20–30% duties on many electronics imported from China.
- These remained relatively stable until April/May 2025, when two major developments occurred:
- 1. Tariffs on Chinese goods increased significantly, in many cases rising to ~125%, drastically increasing costs for importers and consumers.
- 2. The “de minimis” exemption—previously allowing low-value imports under $800 to bypass duties—was removed, affecting even small orders.
While Sterling Power is a UK-based company, many of our products are manufactured in China (CN), Taiwan (TW), and Hong Kong (HK)—placing them squarely within the affected categories.
Additionally, the May 8th UK–US Trade Agreement, while historic and positive in many ways, does not help reduce these tariffs.
That is because US import duties are based on the country of origin (manufacture), not the country of sale or shipping.
Our Position
To avoid misleading our customers or exposing them to unexpected costs, we have decided to pause default US exports through our website.
If you are a US customer with an urgent need for one of our products, we can still assist you—but please contact us directly so we can clearly outline the potential import duties and shipping costs involved.
We are committed to supporting our US customers, and hope to restore normal shipping options as soon as the situation becomes more stable or new solutions become viable.
Brief summary:
- Shipping to the USA is paused via the website due to high tariffs and removal of the $800 exemption.
- Tariffs on CN-origin goods are now ~125%, regardless of UK business status.
- The UK–US Trade Deal does not currently apply to many of our products.
- If you need something urgently and are okay with potential high import charges, please contact us directly to arrange an order.
