Core Viewpoint - The recent implementation of the "small package tariff policy" by the Trump administration has sparked significant international backlash, leading to a coordinated "mail halt" action against the U.S. by over 20 countries, including India, Italy, and France [1][3][9] Group 1: Policy Changes and Impacts - The Trump administration canceled the tax exemption for small packages valued under $800, requiring a 15% tariff on all small packages, which has disrupted the global e-commerce logistics channel [3][4] - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with fewer than 1,000 personnel, is overwhelmed by over 4 million packages processed daily, leading to operational chaos [3][4] - The expected tax revenue from the new policy was around $300 million, but due to a sharp decline in package volume, the actual revenue was only $100 million, revealing a lack of practical consideration in policy-making [3][4] Group 2: International Reactions and Strategic Implications - India's suspension of package shipments to the U.S. is a strategic move that impacts American small businesses and low-income families, exacerbating shopping shortages in poorer regions [4][6] - This action positions India as a leader among developing nations, enhancing its voice in emerging economies and demonstrating its strategic autonomy against U.S. trade policies [6][9] - The halt in shipments inadvertently provides China with a strategic breathing space to adjust its supply chains and logistics in response to the new U.S. policy [6][9] Group 3: Future Outlook and Diplomatic Dynamics - If the Trump administration does not adjust its tariff policy, other countries may eventually resume package shipments, but continued fluctuations in policy could prolong the "mail halt" [7] - The economic retaliation from India marks a shift in how emerging economies engage with U.S. trade rules, indicating a growing resistance to American hegemony in global trade [9]

自本周五（8月29日）起，所有通过国际邮政网络以外的方式寄送到美国、价值低于800美元，且原本符合最低限 度免税条件的进口货物将被征收所有适用关税，最低15%，最高50%。 据新华社报道，法国、德国、瑞典、挪威等欧洲各国的邮政运营商纷纷宣布暂停寄往美国、价值低于100欧元的私 人包裹服务；英国皇家邮政将加收手续费；波黑、斯洛文尼亚、克罗地亚甚至暂停所有寄往美国的货件。 欧洲邮政联盟警告，美国新规生效在即，但核心问题和流程尚未定义，征收机制、必要的申报信息、海关的对接 方式等仍存在巨大不确定性。 而在亚洲，新加坡和印度的邮政部门也将暂停向美国的部分货物运输。 这一变化预计将影响连接美国普通消费者与全球卖家的亚马逊低价商城Haul、TikTok Shop等平台，以及Etsy和 Shopify等在线市场。 特朗普政府的全面贸易政策正在冲击普通美国消费者和小型企业，小额包裹费用就是一个典型例子。 公开资料显示，上一个财年度期间有超过13.6亿件海外小型包裹进入美国，美国海关边境保护局每天要处理400多 万件相关货物。 白宫政策的反复变动，也导致美国海关清关压力大增。有分析指出，预计每年为该国企业和消费者带来470亿美 ...

Core Insights - The cross-border e-commerce industry is adapting to changes in international tariff policies and is focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience [1][5] - The recent China (Guangzhou) Cross-Border E-Commerce Fair attracted over 1,000 quality supply chain companies and more than 40 major domestic and international cross-border e-commerce platforms [1][8] Tariff Policy Impact - The U.S. has suspended the minimum tax exemption for low-value goods, effective August 29, impacting goods valued at or below $800 shipped outside the international postal network [5] - The actual impact of the tariff policy on cross-border e-commerce varies significantly by product category, with some categories less affected due to cost advantages [5][6] - The beauty and health product sectors are less impacted by the new tariff policy due to their higher profit margins and cost advantages of Chinese products [6] Trends in Cross-Border E-Commerce - There is a growing trend towards overseas warehouse operations, which enhance logistics efficiency compared to traditional small parcel shipping methods [6][7] - Companies like JD, SF, and Cainiao are actively expanding their overseas warehouse capabilities [6] - The overseas warehouse model is evolving to provide more comprehensive services, including local market entry support and product certification [7] Compliance and Legal Considerations - Cross-border e-commerce companies are increasingly prioritizing compliance, particularly in intellectual property rights and consumer protection in foreign markets [8] - The demand for legal consultation regarding intellectual property infringement and compliance has risen, especially in sectors with dense intellectual property issues [8] Market Growth - Guangdong's cross-border e-commerce import and export scale has grown from 11.3 billion yuan in 2015 to 745.4 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 66-fold increase over nine years [8]

Core Points - President Trump signed an executive order on July 31 to modify the "reciprocal tariff" policy, adjusting additional tariff rates on goods from multiple countries to address what the U.S. claims is a "national security emergency" due to long-standing trade deficits [1][2] - The new tariff rates include an increase for Canada from 25% to 35%, effective August 1, and a uniform 10% tariff for countries not listed in the executive order [2][6] - The order also stipulates a 40% tariff on goods found to be rerouted through third countries to evade tariffs, with a public "evasion list" updated semi-annually [1][2] Tariff Adjustments - For Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, the tariff rate is set at 15% [1] - For EU countries, if the current tariff is below 15%, it will be raised to 15%, while those above 15% will not see additional increases [1] - The executive order is part of a broader series of tariff adjustments by the Trump administration [2] Specific Measures - An additional 50% tariff will be imposed on imported copper semi-finished products and high-copper content derivatives starting August 1 [6][7] - From August 29, the U.S. will suspend the tax exemption for imported packages valued at $800 or less [6] - A 40% tariff will be applied to products imported from Brazil starting August 6, with certain exceptions for specific goods [7] Trade Negotiations - President Trump indicated that Canada's stance on Palestine will not affect the tariff agreement, emphasizing that Canada must "pay a fair tax rate" [4] - The U.S. and Mexico have agreed to extend their tariff agreement for 90 days, during which they will negotiate further [5]

Group 1 - The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on imported copper semi-finished products and high-copper-content derivatives starting August 1 [1] - The tariff is based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, affecting products such as copper pipes, wires, rods, and sheets, as well as derived products like fittings, cables, connectors, and electrical components [1] - The majority of copper consumed in the U.S. is imported, and the tariffs are expected to increase costs for U.S. manufacturers without incentivizing appropriate economic behavior [1] Group 2 - Starting August 29, the U.S. will suspend the tax exemption for imported packages valued at $800 or less, requiring all applicable taxes to be paid [1] - From August 6, a 40% tariff will be imposed on products imported from Brazil, raising the tariff rate on most Brazilian products to 50%, with exceptions for certain items like aircraft, nuts, orange juice, and some metal products [2] - Brazilian officials have indicated that they may consider retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products if the U.S. tariffs are implemented, criticizing U.S. unilateralism and trade protectionism [2]

Core Insights - The Hong Kong government released a new "Hong Kong Business Environment Report" on July 30, highlighting the region's business advantages such as a clean and efficient government, free flow of capital, and a stable financial system [1] - The report suggests that Hong Kong should adjust its trade strategy to explore emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa, particularly in light of China's recent decision to eliminate import tariffs on goods from African countries [1] - The report emphasizes Hong Kong's unique position as a bridge between China and the world, enhancing its appeal as a platform for companies entering the mainland market [1] Group 1 - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council Chairman, Peter Ma, noted that the city's international financial center status was temporarily challenged by Singapore during the pandemic, but has since regained strength with a robust IPO market [1] - The report indicates that Hong Kong's adaptability and its "one country, two systems" framework have attracted numerous companies to list in the city [1] - The upcoming termination of tax exemptions on small parcels by the U.S. starting September 29 requires further analysis on its impact on trade, supply chains, and logistics strategies [1] Group 2 - Peter Ma compared Hong Kong with Switzerland, noting that while both have similar populations and excel in finance, tourism, and innovation, Hong Kong's industrial development is unevenly focused on finance [2] - The development of the Northern Metropolis area is seen as an opportunity to address land shortages and enhance high-value industrial growth in Hong Kong [2] - Ma emphasized the need to improve the international perception of Hong Kong, which has been affected by past events and the pandemic, by promoting a positive narrative about the city [2]

Group 1 - The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan is actively exploring the possibility of imposing Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cross-border online sales in the fiscal year 2025-2026 to address tax framework gaps and expand the digital economy tax base [1][3] - The FBR has received suggestions regarding taxation of international e-commerce platforms operating in Pakistan, and is reviewing how to create a fair and transparent digital transaction taxation mechanism [4] - The Pakistan Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMAP) has proposed the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) or GST on cross-border e-commerce transactions to tackle revenue loss and eliminate tax policy disparities between local and foreign sellers [4][12] Group 2 - Pakistan's e-commerce market is rapidly growing, with a market size exceeding $8 billion in 2023 and an annual growth rate of over 50% for three consecutive years [8] - The internet penetration rate in Pakistan has surged from 22% in 2018 to 54% in 2023, with mobile payment users exceeding 80 million and transaction volume increasing by 120% [8] - The Daraz platform has reported 35 million annual active buyers, with an average transaction value rising by 28% year-on-year [8] Group 3 - The Pakistani economy is vulnerable, and local industries are easily impacted by cross-border goods. Taxation on imports can increase costs for imported goods, providing local businesses with more development space [11] - Currently, global e-commerce platforms like Amazon and AliExpress operate in Pakistan without paying local taxes. Taxing these transactions would allow Pakistan to regain economic sovereignty and recover tax revenues that currently flow abroad [12]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. has significantly reduced tariffs on small packages from China, which is expected to benefit cross-border e-commerce and American consumers, while the average tariff rate remains at its highest level since 1934 [1][2][8]. Tariff Changes - Effective May 14, the U.S. has lowered the ad valorem tax rate on international mail from 120% to 54% and canceled the planned increase of the fixed fee from $100 to $200 starting June 1, 2025 [1][2][3]. - The U.S. has also revoked a total of 91% tariffs on Chinese goods and modified a 34% reciprocal tariff, with 24% of the tariff suspended for 90 days [2]. Impact on Cross-Border E-commerce - The reduction in tariffs is expected to alleviate cost pressures for cross-border e-commerce, benefiting U.S. consumers [3]. - If the value of a package is below $800, it may only incur a $100 fee, effectively lowering the minimum rate to 12.5% [3]. Trade Dynamics - Following the U.S.-China trade talks, there has been a surge in orders, leading to a near capacity situation for shipping to the U.S. [4][6]. - Companies like Shark Ninja and Basic Fun are preparing to ship goods to U.S. ports immediately [5]. Shipping Capacity Concerns - Experts predict that shipping capacity will become increasingly tight due to a rush in orders, with a potential backlog at U.S. ports expected in June and July [6][4]. - Recent data indicates a 30%-40% year-on-year decline in shipping volume, but a significant recovery in order volume has been observed recently [6]. Average Tariff Rates - Despite the tariff reductions, the average tariff rate in the U.S. remains at 17.8%, the highest since 1934, which has increased by 15.4 percentage points since the Trump administration [8]. - The average tariff rate is projected to cost American households approximately $2,800 annually [8].

Group 1 - The U.S. will terminate the "small package exemption" policy on May 2, which previously allowed low-value imports from China to enter the U.S. without tariffs [1][5] - The exemption policy was originally established in 1938 for packages valued under $5, later raised to $800 in 2016, but has faced scrutiny due to the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce from China [1][3] - In 2023, the export value of low-priced packages from China to the U.S. surged from $5.3 billion in 2018 to $66 billion, indicating a significant market impact [1][9] Group 2 - The cancellation of the exemption is expected to force U.S. businesses reliant on Chinese supply chains to reassess their operational models to maintain cost competitiveness [3][5] - U.S. manufacturers are likely to benefit from the new tariffs, as they may face less competition from low-cost imports [9][10] - The logistics sector will also face challenges, with increased customs procedures leading to higher costs and potential delivery delays [7][9] Group 3 - France is following the U.S. lead by proposing to impose fees on small packages valued under €150 from China, which will primarily affect fast-fashion brands and cross-border platforms [13][14] - The French government aims to enhance customs oversight and product safety through the collected fees, indicating a broader trend of protectionism in Europe [14][20] - The European Union plans to eliminate the exemption for packages under €150 by 2028, with discussions among member states to implement this sooner [23][25] Group 4 - The combined impact of U.S. and European policies could significantly hinder China's small package exports, which are crucial for its manufacturing sector [22][27] - In 2024, China's cross-border e-commerce platforms are expected to ship approximately 4 billion small packages to EU countries, highlighting the importance of these markets [27] - The overall value of small package exports to the U.S. and EU could exceed hundreds of billions, making the potential loss from protectionist measures substantial for Chinese manufacturers [27][28]