In this episode, Joshua unpacks a seismic shift in cross-border e-commerce. As of August 29, 2025, the long-standing U.S. de minimis exemption—allowing parcels under $800 to enter duty-free—is gone. Every shipment into the U.S. will now face import duties, alongside sweeping new tariffs: 50% on most Brazilian imports, 50% on copper-heavy goods, and a potential 270% on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes. These changes will ripple through supply chains and pricing, leaving many merchants unprepared for rapidly rising costs.
Drawing on his background in cross-border logistics, Joshua explains why the de minimis change is happening, who will be hit hardest, and what merchants can do to cushion the impact. He shares real stories from mid-market brands already seeing profit margins vanish and offers practical steps—from renegotiating freight contracts to restructuring fulfillment and improving customer communication. By the end, you’ll know how to calculate your new landed cost, spot markets that may become unprofitable, and leverage strategies like bonded warehouses, tariff engineering, and free-trade zones to stay competitive.