When Is Amazon Cyber Monday 2025?
When Is Amazon Cyber Monday 2025 and What to Expect
Cyber Monday 2025 is set to land on December 1st, the first Monday after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, it’s one of Amazon’s biggest online shopping days, with deep discounts, Lightning Deals, and last-chance savings before holiday shipping deadlines kick in. But this year, shoppers may find Cyber Monday looking a little… leaner.
Why 2025's Cyber Monday Might Be Different
Cyber Monday has always been the online cousin of Black Friday, bringing millions of deal-hungry shoppers to Amazon.com. But 2025 may deliver a different experience—and it all comes down to global trade policy and tariffs.
The Tariff Factor: How Global Trade Is Shaping Holiday Sales
With escalating import tariffs expected to take effect in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, retailers are bracing for tighter margins and potential product shortages. Amazon’s marketplace is particularly sensitive to global supply chain fluctuations, given its enormous dependence on imported goods—especially from China and Southeast Asia. If tariffs spike later in the year, the cost of electronics, home goods, apparel, and toys could surge. Sellers may avoid offering steep Cyber Monday discounts simply because their costs have already ballooned.
This uncertainty is prompting brands and third-party sellers to pull back on deep discounting, particularly on high-demand, high-cost goods that are sensitive to import fees.
Christmas Shopping in June or July? It Might Be Smart
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the idea of holiday shopping during summer, 2025 might be the year to change your tune.
Why Shopping Early Might Be a Strategic Move
With tariff hikes looming in the second half of the year, many sellers are expected to raise prices or cut promotions as they begin to feel the squeeze. Some smart shoppers—and large resellers—are already eyeing Amazon Prime Day 2025 (likely mid-July) as their unofficial Christmas kickoff.
There’s historical precedent here. In 2019, during President Trump’s first term, uncertainty over China tariffs led many retailers to front-load deals and limit Q4 promotions. That year, Prime Day became a surprisingly aggressive holiday sales event, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday saw fewer flashy deals on big-ticket items. The pattern could repeat in 2025 if trade negotiations continue down a rocky path.
In short: If you see the toys, tech, or tools you want in July—grab them.
Cyber Monday 2025: What to Expect on Amazon
Even with global pressures at play, Cyber Monday won’t be a dud. But it may look more focused than frenzied.
Categories Likely to Stay Strong:
Digital Goods: eBooks, streaming services, software, and online courses won’t be hit by tariffs, making them ripe for discounts.
Private Label Brands: AmazonBasics and in-house lines often dodge tariff-related price bumps and may offer compelling deals.
Gift Cards: Expect small bonuses for popular brands—always tariff-proof and easy to distribute.
Fashion: While apparel prices could be hit, clearance and previous-season items may still feature heavily.
Categories to Watch Carefully:
Electronics: Tariff-sensitive and often manufactured abroad. Big names may limit deep cuts or offer older models instead.
Toys: A majority are imported. Prices may rise as the year goes on.
Home Goods: Furniture and appliances could reflect higher logistics and material costs.
How Much Could Prices Rise? A Look at the 2025 Tariffs on Chinese Imports
In 2025, the U.S. government has imposed a sweeping 20% tariff on all Chinese imports, following an earlier 10% tariff implemented in February. These increases are already impacting the cost of consumer goods—and the effects are expected to snowball heading into the holiday season. For example, around 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are sourced from China, and the Toy Association estimates that shoppers could see a 15% to 20% price increase on common items like dolls, board games, and toy vehicles by the time back-to-school shopping kicks off. Electronics are even more vulnerable. Since nearly 27% of all electronics and electrical machinery in the U.S. come from China, the Consumer Technology Association warns that tariffs could drive laptop and tablet prices up by as much as 46%, while smartphones may cost up to 26% more than they would without the added import tax.
Pet products are also on the list of affected categories. While the data isn’t as specific, many pet toys, accessories, and supplies are manufactured in China. With the new tariffs in place, shoppers can expect to pay more for everything from chew toys to cat trees. Retailers like Walmart and Target are currently negotiating with suppliers to soften the blow, but even these large players may only delay—not prevent—the inevitable price hikes. Some brands might absorb part of the added cost temporarily, but sustained tariffs will likely force them to raise prices as margins tighten. All signs point to a 2025 shopping season where the same holiday gifts cost significantly more—and where early birds might just avoid the brunt of the inflation.
The 2019 Example: A Look Back at Trade Tensions and Their Impact
To understand how 2025 might unfold, let’s rewind to President Trump’s first term, when trade tensions with China were a daily headline. In 2018 and 2019, his administration imposed steep tariffs on a wide array of consumer goods. One notable ripple effect? Fewer doorbuster deals on electronics and toys during Cyber Week. Retailers had to pass some of the costs on to consumers or reduce discount depths to protect already shrinking margins.
Another key takeaway from that era: Amazon’s trademark and private label strategy expanded aggressively. As tariffs hit branded imports, Amazon leaned into developing its own product lines that were easier to source or shift to tariff-free regions. We may see a similar trend in 2025—more focus on Amazon-owned brands, fewer flashy third-party promotions.
Should You Wait or Jump In?
Let’s put it this way: If you’re waiting until December 1 to do all your Christmas shopping this year, you might find yourself paying more—and getting less.
Key Reasons to Start Early in 2025:
Tariff uncertainty will make last-minute sales less attractive.
Inventory challenges could mean popular items sell out earlier.
Shipping delays may become more common due to congested ports and international transit issues.
Shopping in June, July, or even September could mean locking in lower prices and avoiding the chaos of late-season markups or stockouts.
Final Thoughts -
Cyber Monday 2025 will still bring deals—it always does. But expecting the same volume or depth of discounts as in previous years may lead to disappointment, especially for shoppers relying on big-ticket categories. Trade tensions and tariff policies are shifting the landscape in real time, and both retailers and consumers are adapting.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, consider doing your Christmas shopping during Prime Day or during the back-to-school rush. Monitor price trackers, set alerts, and don't assume Cyber Monday will be the cheapest day of the year.
In 2025, being a smart shopper means shopping smarter and sooner.