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Hey guys,
We're halfway through 2025, and the trade landscape looks nothing like what most sellers expected in January.
A 90-day tariff reprieve on Chinese goods has triggered an import rush at major ports. But port executives are warning this is temporary relief, not a long-term fix. Meanwhile, the death of de minimis exemptions continues to reshape how low-cost goods enter the U.S.
For Amazon sellers, this creates a narrow window of opportunity—but also forces some hard decisions about Q4 inventory and supply chain strategy.
Here's what's happening on the ground and what you need to do about it.
We're rapidly approaching the end of May 2025 - almost the midpoint of the year. We've been through a lot with the tariffs - the ups, the downs, and now more ups.
Nobody's certain what's next. We're like basketball players in a defensive position - nobody knows what's coming next, but it's about how fast we can react.
That's why I've invited my good friend Vincenzo Toscano, founder of Ecomcy who works with over 1000 brands, to discuss the state of Amazon selling in 2025. What we've seen so far, what we're seeing right now, and what we predict will happen in the next 90-180 days heading into Q4.
This could be important strategic positioning for you and your business at the halfway point. If you just blindly go into the future, you could fall off a cliff.
Join us for this special live training next week: "The State of Amazon Selling 2025"
The Port of Los Angeles is experiencing a jump in Asia-to-U.S. bookings after a 90-day reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods. Shippers are fast-tracking imports to beat the clock before duties revert to 145%, says port chief Gene Seroka. April volumes rose 9.4% YoY, with over 843,000 TEUs moved — the third-best April in port history.
Despite the surge, Seroka warns that this may be a temporary uptick, not a sustained spike. Bookings remain 20% below normal for the upcoming three weeks, and uncertainty clouds June and July due to canceled sailings.
Takeaways for Sellers:
Sellers should move fast — with low tariffs, now is the time to accelerate China-based orders and shipments. Plan for possible delays from canceled sailings and fluctuating demand. Frontload key inventory like components and medical supplies to avoid future cost hikes. May is crucial for Q4 retail orders, so align your supply chain now. Take advantage of reduced port congestion to streamline imports.
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The U.S. tariff reprieve on China-made goods has sparked a wave of cautious optimism among direct-to-consumer (DTC) sellers. But despite duties dropping from 145% to 30% as of May 14, the deep-rooted disruption to de minimis shipping models — once relied on by giants like Temu and Shein — isn’t going away anytime soon.
Since the de minimis exemption was revoked on May 2 for Chinese and Hong Kong imports, daily shipments plunged by more than 85%, and many brands have pivoted to alternative customs methods or started rerouting inventory through ocean freight for U.S.-based fulfillment. A full rebound remains uncertain as structural shifts reshape how low-cost goods enter the U.S.
Takeaways for Sellers:
Use the tariff window to restock inventory, but plan for long-term change. Prioritize compliant documentation, explore U.S.-based storage, and shift from air cargo to ocean freight to stay competitive in the evolving trade environment.
📌 In Case You Missed It
✅🌪️ "Like a Tornado in Your Face" - What a 40-Year Supply Chain Veteran Sees Coming - Watch Youtube Video
✅Founder Spotlight: Vincenzo Tosano
✅Over $100M Sold Tariff Free on Amazon?!
✅Balancing Business and Bedtime — My Life as a Father and Entrepreneur
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