Cross-border eCommerce: Complete Guide to US Tariff Changes and Operations Strategy in 2025

Table of Content

Latest US Tariff Policy Developments

Shipping Guidelines of Logistics Providers

Background of De Minimis

Business Transformation Strategies for Cross-border eCommerce

One-Stop Support from e+Solutions

The US government has announced significant trade policy adjustments, including an executive order signed on July 31 restructuring tariff frameworks and eliminating the “de minimis exemption” policy. These changes have not only drawn intense industry attention but also present substantial operational challenges for cross-border eCommerce businesses. While some tariff adjustments have been temporarily suspended, companies must develop proactive strategies early. In this edition of e+Solutions eCommerce Logistics Guide, we analyze the latest policy developments and response strategies to help businesses maintain competitive advantage during this regulatory transition.

On July 31, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14324, further adjusting the “Reciprocal Tariff” policy. According to this order, countries are classified into three categories: unlisted economies subject to a uniform 10% tariff; countries with trade agreements or smaller trade deficits with the US (such as EU, Japan, South Korea) subject to 15% tariffs; and countries without agreements and larger trade deficits with the US (including Myanmar, China, Switzerland) facing higher tariff rates. Below are the latest US tariff details for various countries (updated as of August 2025):

On July 30, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) eliminating de minimis package tariff exemptions for all countries effective August 29, 2025, citing national security, foreign policy and economic interests. All imported goods must now complete full customs clearance and pay applicable tariffs, processed through either formal entry (Type 01, applicable for goods valued >USD$2,500) or simplified entry (Type 11, applicable for goods valued ≤USD$2,500).

Tariffs for Goods Shipped Through International Postal Systems:

In addition to eliminating the de minimis exemption for all countries, effective August 7, 2025, all goods deemed to have avoided tariffs through transshipment will be subject to an additional 40% tariff with no possibility of reduction or exemption.

Due to frequent changes in US tariff policies, Hong Kong Post (HK Post) has temporarily suspended acceptance of goods-containing mail to the US, though documents and letters remain unaffected. Express carriers like FedEx, DHL and UPS continue normal operations with the following arrangements:

The “De Minimis Exemption” originated from Section 321 of Title 19 of the U.S. Code, allowing each person to import goods valued up to USD$800 per day with tariff exemptions. This policy fuelled cross-border eCommerce growth, particularly benefiting platforms like Shein and Temu, driving a surge in China-US eCommerce transactions. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, packages imported under the de minimis exemption increased nearly tenfold from 139 million in 2015 to 1.36 billion in 2024. However, policy abuse, tariff avoidance and competitive pressure on domestic industries led the U.S. to completely eliminate this exemption effective August 29, 2025.

For cross-border eCommerce businesses, the US tariff measures undoubtedly create operational challenges:

• More complex customs clearance procedures extending processing times
• Additional customs clearance fees and US tariff increasing operational costs that may need to be passed on to product pricing, affecting competitiveness

To mitigate the effects of US tariff announcement and adapt to changing business environments, cross-border eCommerce businesses can consider these operational strategies:

• Establish Local Warehousing Networks
Set up storage facilities in the US with regular bulk shipments from origin countries. Local teams can handle picking, packing and delivery, reducing per-unit logistics costs, shortening delivery times, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

• Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience
To minimize single-market risk and increase operational flexibility, businesses can build resilient supply chain networks by sourcing products from different countries and actively expanding into diversified markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

With increasingly complex cross-border logistics demands, partnering with a professional eCommerce logistics service provider is a viable solution for businesses. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also accelerates overseas market expansion, enabling companies to enter global markets more efficiently.

As a trusted third-party logistics provider, ePlus operates a global network with self-owned warehouses and professional customs clearance teams, backed by over 50 years of local experience. We offer comprehensive international logistics solutions encompassing customs clearance support, tax processing, overseas warehousing, pick and pack services, international shipping and returns management.

For merchants without overseas company registration, we offer Foreign Importer of Record (FIR) services to help businesses obtain overseas importer qualifications, ensuring smooth customs clearance for B2C goods and facilitating seamless entry into the global eCommerce market.

Read More：

Australian eCommerce : Capturing High-Value eCommerce Opportunities

Cross-border eCommerce : Three Critical Elements for Global Market Success

Unlocking Global Trade Potential: The Power of Singapore’s Zero-GST Warehousing

Encountering any e-Commerce logistics troubles? e+Solutions can help you! From goods storage and management, handling and packaging, to arranging last-mile, we can meet all your logistics needs while allowing you to operate an online store easily

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