Tarrifs, Specifically Canada -> USA

I am considering a large (for me) auction bid in the Longley November 2026 auction. In their published terms, there will be a 50% tariff charge on all purchases. I might still bid on the item, but I will adjust my bid for the extra cost.
This will probably kill my chances to win. My previous recollection was that tariffs do not apply to collectable stamps. Am I wrong about that?

You are not wrong. Previously the philatelic collectibles tariff issue was sorted and went away. Now however, there is a flat (so far as I am aware) 50% tariff thus the Longley terms.

To add to Rogd, yes the previous exemption for HS code 9704.00.0000 (among everything else basically) is currently not in place so tariffs apply to postage stamps, including used.

A Canadian auction house I deal with regularly told me the tariff applies to Canadian stamps new or used. At least that is how they are applying it. They even shared that some are still bidding/winning but are deferring shipping temporarily hoping the tariffs will be lifted.

I personally am still bidding on items but have purposely avoided any of their Canadian material.

Hey, great idea. There are some things I am wanting from Canada, but avoiding because of this whole situation. I should reach out and ask them if this is an option, with a no fee or low fee long term storage service.

Also a reminder to anyone ordering from outside the US - you might want to avoid using UPS for shipments to the USA because of UPS's hefty Customs Processing Charges -- even if the item is Duty Free and you owe no tariffs, UPS still charges you for their expertise and convenience for having them manage the customs process for you

If the thought is that in the new year Congress will limit or remove the tariffs it's likely very wishful thinking since:

Congress has the primary constitutional power to set and override tariffs, and it can also pass legislation to limit or terminate executive tariff actions BUT If Congress passes a joint resolution or a bill to block a president's tariffs, the President can veto it. Overriding a presidential veto requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Possible but mathematically and historically a real stretch.

Does this apply only to Canada? Or to all countries shipping to the US?

It depends on the tariff situation between each country and the US and where the items were manufactured/originate.

As I have discovered, it is also dependent on how things end up processed at the border. I had a previously exempt item I sent before the latest changes and got dinged hard on it. Such is.

My experience is the same as GT350Anny. No tariffs of any kind on non-Canadian material mailed from Canada to the USA. Canadian stamps and covers sent to the USA would have a 50% tariff added. The firm I deal with (buckacover) will not even send Canadian material to the USA for now.

Just a thought. If Americans are not bidding so much on Canadian material does it follow that, as I am in the UK, I may get some bargains ??.

The exchange rates have some consideration. Here in the States, there has been a very favorable exchange rate with Canada. The tariffs have certainly complicated things for now. Your rate may dictate whether or not you get "bargains".