• The 80/20 of Ecommerce
  • Posts
  • 80/20 of Ecom – Jan 10, 2025: New Amazon Title Rules, How Ecom Sellers Should React to Trump's Tariffs, & More

80/20 of Ecom – Jan 10, 2025: New Amazon Title Rules, How Ecom Sellers Should React to Trump's Tariffs, & More

New Amazon title rules effective Jan 21. Trump’s tariffs shake up supply chains. Replay our International Expansion Webinar before it’s gone!

Author

Gary Huang
January 11, 2025

It’s January 2025, and the year is already off to a roaring start for e-commerce. This week’s newsletter covers critical updates, including new Amazon product title requirements, Trump’s latest tariff promises, sourcing tips ahead of Chinese New Year, and a must-watch replay of our International Expansion Webinar.

Let’s dive in.

Quick Highlights

  • Amazon’s new product title rules effective Jan 21. 22% of titles are non-compliant. Are yours ready?

  • Trump tariffs hit Jan 20. Here’s how to prepare your supply chain.

  • Sourcing Alert: Chinese New Year factory closures may affect shipments. Act now!

  • Partnership: Save on fees with World First for global expansion.

  • Replay: Watch our International Expansion Webinar before it’s gone.

Amazon’s new product title guidelines go live this month.  According to this Linkedin post, up to 22% of existing titles are non-compliant. 

Key requirements include:

  • 200-character limit for most categories.

  • No special symbols (!, $, #, etc.).

  • No keyword stuffing (word repetition).

💡 Takeaway: Make sure your titles are compliant to avoid suspension. Review and update your listing titles before January 21!

How Should Ecom and Amazon Sellers Adapt to Trump’s New Tariffs?

President-elect Trump has promised to implement 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, along with a 10% tariff on products made in China, effective on his first day in office.

Retailers have been scrambling to prepare, with many front-loading imports ahead of Trump’s inauguration. However, at this point, that window has likely passed.

For many sellers, diversification of sourcing away from China to Southeast Asia, Mexico, India, or the U.S. has been an ongoing trend. But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Challenges with new suppliers include:

  • A steep learning curve with Amazon FBA requirements.

  • Delays and inefficiencies in logistics for developing regions.

If you have strong relationships with existing suppliers, negotiation is key. Proactively set expectations for cost-sharing the tariff burden, even proposing that suppliers absorb part of the increase temporarily.

💡 Takeaway: Don’t knee-jerk react to every tweet. Stay flexible in your supply chain and wait for Trump to take office before making drastic decisions. In the meantime, negotiate to share the tariff costs with your suppliers.

👉 Need help negotiating with your Chinese suppliers? Hit reply and email me—I’ve been doing this for 16 years.

Sourcing: Chinese New Year Sourcing Alert

Chinese New Year is just weeks away, and factories across China are already shutting down ahead of the holiday on January 30.

💡 Takeaway: If you have pending shipments, contact your suppliers ASAP to avoid delays or surprises.

Over 200 sellers registered for our webinar hosted by My Amazon Guy yesterday as Noah Wickham and I delivered a masterclass on international expansion.

We covered:

  • The pros and cons of expanding internationally in 2025.

  • A little-known way to project your sales in international Amazon marketplaces using Seller Central.

  • Tips to overcome compliance hurdles.

  • A comparison of Amazon Japan, Germany, U.K., and Australia.

Big update!
In addition to our track on selling in Amazon Japan, we’re excited to announce a second track on expanding globally with Amazon.

Here’s what makes this event stand out:

  • Roadmap to scaling your business to $1 million in Japan, with actionable insights for 2025.

  • Mastermind sessions with like-minded sellers to share strategies and build relationships.

  • Exclusive networking with sellers from across Asia and beyond—including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Australia, and more.

7FSJM Tokyo

This is your opportunity to connect with sellers and experts you won’t meet anywhere else in the U.S. or Europe.

In Case You Missed It

A micro-influencer campaign with 400% ROI?

It’s more than possible thanks to minisocial! See how they partner with plant people for extremely successful campaigns

Work With Us

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be working hands-on with a select few 7 and 8 figure Amazon brand owners who are looking to expand into Japan.

If you’re interested in applying, email me with:

  • Your brand’s introduction.

  • Your main product line.

  • Why you think you’d succeed in Japan.

Let’s make 2025 your breakout year.

Have a great week,
Gary