Fulfilment: your rock during tariff uncertainty

If you've been weighing up some serious strategic moves in the wake of ever more tariff announcements, you’ve come to the right place. 

While none of us working in ecommerce and fulfilment can claim to have a crystal ball to see how things will look in 1, 3 or 12-months’ time, there’s a big opportunity for the two sectors to draw closer together and find innovative paths to navigate the unfolding situation. 

• Get the latest on tariff news
• Learn how your brand can thrive in a world with changing US tariffs 
• Discover how to leverage your 3PL partnerships 
  

Hot off the press

This section is kept up to date as we bring you the latest on tariffs.

April 12, 2025, The Trump administration has announced exemptions from its reciprocal tariffs for smartphones, computers, and various electronic components. 

April 9, 2025, Trump announces 90-day pause on all tariffs rises beyond 10%, with the exception of China whose tariffs will rise to 125%. 

April 8, 2025, Trump announces additional 50% rise in tariffs for China- bringing total levies in place to 104%. 

April 4, 2025, China announces reciprocal tariffs of 34% in US that will come into effect 10th April. 

April 2, 2025, President Trump declared 'Liberation Day' and announced sweeping tariff hikes that will come into effect on the 9th April. 

• Baseline Tariff: A universal 10% tariff on most imports. 

• Higher Rates: Steeper tariffs for countries with trade surpluses with the US, including: 

• EU: 20% 

• China: 34% on top of existing 20% 

• Japan: 24% 

• Automobile Parts: 25% 

On top of these new rates coming in on 9th April, there is also: 

De Minimis Rule Changes: The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed duty-free entry for goods valued at $800 or less, has been significantly altered. Starting May 2, 2025, goods from China and Hong Kong that fall under this exemption will now face a duty of either 30% of their value or $25 per item. 

This change aims to curb deceptive shipping practices and the influx of counterfeit goods but will affect many brands whose products or practices are neither of these things. 

Is this you? 

1. I’m a US business importing goods manufactured in China
2. I’m an EU or UK business importing good to the US 
3. I’m a US business looking at reshoring manufacturing to the US
   

In each of these scenarios, your fulfilment strategy is being pulled in different directions with each daily update on tariffs. Here we look at some options for how to tackle the uncertainty. 

If you’re importing to the US- either using overseas fulfilment or drop shipping- and it doesn’t make sense to reshore manufacturing to the US right now, then it could be time to look at a US fulfilment partner. 

By fulfilling in-country, you can find the most efficient route to market with a host of additional customer experience benefits such as order delivery speeds. 

Top tip: Have you considered the benefits of using a fulfilment company to support your back-office functions? Get the legal, customer service and admin support you need to grow your brand in the US. 

2. I’m a EU or UK business importing goods to the US

The US is a growing market for you: If you were considering moving inventory to a US based 3PL anyway in order to reduce delivery times and provide a better customer experience, it could make sense to bring ‘move day’ a little earlier and benefit from removing risk from any additional levies that might or might not be hitting your business down the line. 

Top tip: With this approach, you could see savings in the last mile as you consolidate parcel shipments from one in-country fulfilment partner, helping protect your costs for any future uncertainty around changing levies on products as they enter the US. 

The US isn’t a big market and it’s time to refocus: If you’re looking at expanding sales and marketing in Europe and moving out of the US for the time being, it could be a good time to evaluate your 3PL options.  

Finding a partner with the right coverage, pricing, tech and service levels will make sure your investment in sales and marketing in alternative territories doesn’t go to waste. 

3. I’m a US business looking at reshoring manufacturing to the US 

You’re making a big move and bringing manufacturing on to US soil. The investment you’re making is a huge deal for your brand and customers and now could be the time to find a US-based 3PL that fits best with your new US operations. 

With service quality, tech integrations and growth-support all top of mind as your search for your new fulfilment partner, it’s important to consider the value a 3PL will bring to your relationship and the specific support you need from them to help with your specific requirements. 

Ready to Take Action? 

If you're keen to future-proof your business, it’s a tricky time to know whether you’re making the right decisions; so, start by evaluating your current suppliers and exploring new sourcing options. Reach out to 3PL providers to discuss how they can support your logistics needs. And most importantly, keep your customers at the heart of your business decisions. 

The uncertain economic conditions are undoubtedly going to leave some businesses in the ecommerce and fulfilment space in tricky waters, but with any sweeping global changes such as these, there will always be those who seize the emerging opportunities and come out on top. 

Our tariff survival pack for your brand 

You can’t predict what’s next for US tariffs, but you can work with a fulfilment partner that is in it with you for the long haul. Fidelity is the fulfilment partner for global brands who want to stay ahead, cut costs, and ship smarter into the US, UK and the EU. 

Here’s how we’re helping right now:​ 

• Collaboration on your fulfilment strategy​  
• Fulfilment optimisation in Shopify to lower your cost-per-order​ 
• Free introductory storage in our US facilities​ 

Tariffs might be unpredictable — but your fulfilment doesn’t have to be. Talk to our team today.​