Core Viewpoint - The cancellation of the $800 de minimis exemption policy by the U.S. has significantly impacted cross-border e-commerce, leading to increased costs and operational challenges for Chinese sellers and platforms, prompting a reevaluation of business models and logistics strategies [2][3][14]. Cost Increase and Efficiency Decline - The $800 de minimis exemption, which simplified customs processes for low-value goods, has been a major driver of cross-border e-commerce growth, particularly benefiting Chinese small sellers [5][6]. - The cancellation of this policy means that all packages valued under $800 will now incur a duty of 120% of their value or a flat fee of $100, leading to a substantial increase in costs for sellers who previously enjoyed zero tariffs [7][9]. - The number of low-value packages processed by U.S. Customs has increased dramatically, from 139 million in 2015 to over 1.3 billion in 2024, highlighting the significance of the de minimis policy for cross-border trade [6]. Industry Restructuring - The policy change is expected to accelerate market consolidation, favoring larger sellers with robust supply chains who can absorb the new costs, while smaller sellers face greater survival pressures [13][14]. - Many sellers have already paused shipments to the U.S. or are considering exiting the market due to the increased logistics costs and uncertainties [2][9]. Strategic Responses - In response to the new costs, some sellers and platforms have opted to raise prices, with average price increases reported at around 30% for various product categories on platforms like Amazon [9][10]. - The shift towards overseas warehouses is anticipated, as sellers look to mitigate costs and improve delivery times, although this requires significant upfront investment and carries inventory risks [10][11][12]. - The transition to overseas warehouses may become a mainstream strategy, with platforms like Temu and SHEIN already pushing for a "semi-managed" model to enhance inventory management and fulfillment capabilities [10][14]. Long-term Implications - The cancellation of the de minimis exemption is seen as a step towards a more mature and regulated phase of cross-border e-commerce, with a potential shift from price competition to value competition, emphasizing branding and compliance as core competitive advantages [14].
“价格暴涨100%”!“免税直邮”结束,小卖家暂停发货,多个平台出手应对
凤凰网财经·2025-05-04 14:00