S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis indicates that the new round of tariffs will lead to a decline in US import and export trade volume and push up consumer prices. Industries such as clothing, toys, and mobile phones will be the most affected. Companies need to adjust their pricing strategies, and consumers may face inflation. The trade war has far-reaching effects, and the global economy will be impacted.
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.
Shopee's massive layoffs have shaken the industry, highlighting its global contraction strategy. Compared to Europe and the US, the Southeast Asian market attracts many sellers due to its faster logistics, quicker returns, and lower risks. Independent websites and TikTok Shop are emerging as new options, but require careful consideration of one's own characteristics. Cross-border e-commerce businesses need to adjust their strategies promptly to succeed in the competitive landscape.
The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals a divided US freight market. Parcel rates are up due to fuel surcharges and dimensional weight increases. Less-than-truckload (LTL) benefits from Yellow's bankruptcy, maintaining strong pricing. Truckload (TL) rates are slightly down due to increased short-haul shipments. Companies should optimize transportation networks, strengthen carrier partnerships, and improve load factors to navigate these trends and manage logistics costs effectively.
Temu is adjusting its global strategic layout, shifting its traffic investment budget towards emerging markets like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Sellers should avoid direct competition in the US and European markets and instead focus on these new opportunities. Strategies include using the fully managed model for product testing and the semi-managed model for profit generation. Data-driven, refined operations are crucial. Sellers should also closely monitor platform policy changes and market trends to adapt their business strategies accordingly and achieve business growth in the new market environment.
SHEIN announced free access to its US and European warehouses, aiming to help sellers in the fully managed model reduce overseas warehousing costs and improve logistics efficiency, especially for the Black Friday shopping season. This move will shorten delivery times, enhance user experience, and provide sellers with a more convenient and efficient platform for overseas market expansion. With a significant increase in SHEIN platform users, sellers should seize the opportunity to capture market dividends. This offers a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing cross-border e-commerce landscape.
The European energy crisis has led to a surge in demand for heating equipment, with Chinese products gaining popularity. However, this significant market opportunity carries the risk of patent infringement. This article reminds sellers to prioritize intellectual property protection while exploring the European market. It emphasizes the importance of patent searches and risk assessments to avoid potential losses due to infringement. The article details EU and US design patent risks associated with popular products like electric heaters, electric blankets, heating pads, and hand warmers, aiming to help sellers operate in compliance.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a 50% tariff on appliances containing steel components starting June 23, affecting various essential household products. This policy is expected to raise the cost of living for families and increase market uncertainty.
The adjustment of the T86 policy has placed significant tariff pressure on cross-border e-commerce. Air freight logistics from the United States, known for its speed and safety, has gradually become the preferred solution for sellers to cope with new regulations, helping businesses seek new development opportunities in a complex trade environment.
The shipping industries of India and the United States have decided to cancel the planned price increase notification set for August 1 due to uncertainties surrounding new tariffs. They will maintain current freight rates, a strategy aimed at balancing company profits with customer demand, in order to sustain stability and flexibility in a competitive market environment.
