The ripple effects of the new U.S. tariffs are forcing China’s e-commerce giants to dramatically rethink their global sales strategy. Platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress are now revamping logistics, warehousing, and pricing to survive in a post–de minimis exemption world.
According to Nikkei Asia, the U.S. crackdown on low-value parcel imports once tariff-free has upended the cost structure that made Chinese goods dominant on U.S. platforms.
What’s Changing in China’s E-Commerce Strategy?
- Localised Fulfilment Centres
- Shein and Temu are setting up U.S.-based warehouses to avoid cross-border tax pain.
- Shift to Marketplace Models
- Chinese retailers are becoming intermediaries letting U.S. third-party sellers handle import logistics.
- Bundled Shipments Over Individual Orders
- To reduce per-unit tariff costs, companies now push customers to bulk-order products.
- Price Adjustments & Return Policy Tweaks
- Expect fewer ultra-low-cost items and stricter refund policies.
The De Minimis Loophole
The “de minimis rule” allowed items under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, a golden ticket for Chinese fast fashion and gadget exporters.
Now, its removal means:
- More customs scrutiny
- Longer shipping times
- Higher end-user prices
What to Watch
- Will Chinese firms migrate manufacturing to Mexico or Southeast Asia to dodge tariffs?
- How will Amazon and eBay sellers react to higher competition costs?
- Could this lead to a formal WTO challenge or new bilateral negotiations?
Financial Juggernut Take
The U.S. just forced a business model pivot across the Pacific.
For e-commerce investors, this is a logistics and compliance play not just a tech story.
