First Sale Valuation is a rule that helps U.S. importers reduce customs duties. By assessing the value of goods based on the first sale price rather than the final transaction price, qualifying importers can effectively save costs and enhance market competitiveness.
Polish e-commerce giant Allegro is improving profitability through cost control, expecting strong Q1 results. However, the Central and Eastern European (CEE) market faces high inflation and consumer spending cuts. Allegro needs refined operations, optimized supply chains, and expansion into emerging markets to navigate these challenges. Other platforms and sellers should also learn from this, focusing on cost control and meticulous operations to weather the economic downturn.
The Federal Reserve's rate cuts and the global easing cycle present both opportunities and challenges for Chinese export enterprises. Companies should monitor exchange rate fluctuations and utilize foreign exchange instruments to hedge risks. Optimizing market layout, cultivating both developed and emerging markets, enhancing product added value for value-driven growth, and seizing financing opportunities to promote capacity upgrades and digital transformation are crucial. These strategies will help businesses navigate uncertainties and maintain a competitive edge in the international market.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the aviation industry. Airlines responded through cost control, cargo business expansion, and increased ancillary revenue. Refined cost control strategies, such as fleet and route optimization, personnel adjustments, and digital transformation, are crucial. The post-pandemic aviation industry will evolve towards greater flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Airlines are adapting to the new normal by streamlining operations and exploring innovative revenue streams to mitigate losses and ensure long-term viability in a rapidly changing market.
UPS continues to implement layoffs amid softening demand, aiming to optimize its workforce structure and improve profitability. The company is increasingly embracing AI and automation to enhance efficiency. Layoffs primarily target management positions and contract workers as UPS seeks to streamline operations and reduce costs in a challenging economic environment. This strategic shift reflects a broader trend of technology substitution within the logistics industry.
Driven by the global economic downturn, retail giants and freight forwarding companies are laying off employees ahead of the peak season. Amazon plans to cut 10,000 jobs, and C.H. Robinson has also implemented significant layoffs. PwC predicts that half of US companies may face layoffs. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should carefully select logistics partners, control costs, pay attention to market changes, and improve competitiveness to cope with industry reshuffling.
Amazon plans to lay off approximately 10,000 employees, the largest layoff in the company's history, affecting departments such as smart devices, retail, and human resources. This move aims to address slowing growth and economic recession pressures. In addition to layoffs, Amazon is also freezing hiring, halting expansion, and canceling some projects. The tech industry as a whole faces challenges such as slowing growth and rising costs, and many companies have already announced layoffs.
Shopee is undergoing large-scale layoffs across multiple locations due to the economic downturn. This follows the closure of its South American operations, and its parent company has also implemented cost-cutting measures. This situation reflects the intense competition within the e-commerce market, particularly in Southeast Asia, where Shopee is a major player. The layoffs signal a significant shift in strategy as the company navigates challenging economic conditions and increased pressure to achieve profitability.
Reveel's "2025 Smart Package Transportation Report" highlights that top logistics teams leverage data analysis and automation to optimize package spending through revenue tracking, transparency in additional fees, and SKU-level insights. In the face of rising costs, these strategies provide a competitive advantage.
Shopee's layoffs in Thailand are a microcosm of its global strategic adjustments, reflecting the need to reduce costs and improve efficiency amid profitability challenges. Previously, Shopee exited the Indian market, adjusted its Latin American business, and reduced its China team. Facing a global economic downturn, refined operations and risk management have become crucial for the survival and development of cross-border e-commerce companies. The layoffs signal a shift towards prioritizing profitability and sustainable growth in a challenging economic environment.
