Tariffs are once again reshaping the global trade landscape. New 2025 regulations—including a 10% baseline tariff on most imports, the elimination of the de minimis threshold for China and Hong Kong, and steep increases for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand—are creating immediate pressure on ecommerce brands’ supply chains, cost structures, and profitability.
In this environment, adaptability isn’t optional—it’s a competitive edge. Spreetail has navigated major disruptions before, including the COVID-era supply chain crisis, by acting fast and thinking ahead. Here are practical strategies brands can use now to reduce risk and stay resilient as tariff policies shift again.
Diversify Sourcing and Manufacturing Locations
The latest wave of United States tariffs has targeted key sourcing hubs, particularly in Southeast Asia, with countries like Vietnam and Cambodia seeing steep new tariff hikes. These developments underscore the risks of relying too heavily on a single region for production.
To mitigate this, brands should explore regional diversification by identifying alternative sourcing options outside of the impacted zones, including Latin America or Eastern Europe. Nearshoring—bringing production closer to home—can reduce lead times and exposure to geopolitical instability. Additionally, establishing multiple supplier relationships allows brands to remain flexible and better manage risk during disruptions.
Review and Optimize Trade Terms
Trade strategies like First Sale and Modified Delivered Duty Paid (MDDP) can help brands reduce tariff exposure. First Sale allows duties to be assessed based on the price paid by the intermediary to the manufacturer, rather than the final sale price, offering significant savings.
MDDP enables brands to shift responsibility for tariff payment in a way that may offer tax or logistical advantages. While these approaches can be complex to implement, they’re often worth the investment, especially for brands with high average order values or significant import volumes.
Strengthen Supply Chain Visibility
Having real-time insight into the supply chain is crucial when tariff policies change rapidly. Brands should invest in tools that allow them to assess the cost and margin impact of tariff changes at the SKU level. Monitoring the digital shelf can also reveal which products are most at risk of lost demand due to price increases.
Scenario planning software or demand forecasting tools can simulate various trade and cost conditions, enabling brands to make smarter, faster decisions. Visibility equips companies to shift from reactive to proactive management.
An Overview of The United States Supply Chain
The United States supply chain is a vast, interconnected network that facilitates the movement of goods from manufacturers to consumers, both domestically and internationally. It spans multiple industries, modes of transportation, and regulatory frameworks, making it one of the most complex and influential systems in the global economy.
- Multimodal Transportation: Includes road, rail, air, and maritime shipping networks that move goods efficiently across the country and overseas.
- Ports and Hubs: Key entry points like the Port of Los Angeles, Port of New York/New Jersey, and inland hubs such as Chicago play vital roles in import/export flows.
- Warehousing and Distribution: Thousands of fulfillment centers and warehouses support inventory storage and order distribution for retailers, wholesalers, and ecommerce businesses.
- Technology-Driven Operations: Advanced logistics software, automation, AI, and robotics help optimize delivery speed, inventory accuracy, and forecasting.
- Regulatory Environment: Governed by trade policies, customs regulations, safety standards, and labor laws that influence import/export timelines and costs.
Accelerate Domestic Orders and Inventory Planning
With some tariff rate increases taking effect in phases, brands have a short-term window to act. Accelerating domestic orders or pulling forward imports can help brands secure products at pre-tariff costs. For high-performing SKUs, building buffer stock ensures inventory is available even if future supply becomes more expensive or delayed. This proactive inventory strategy also protects margins and mitigates fulfillment risks—especially during seasonal or high-demand periods.
Invest in Tariff Classification and Compliance Expertise
HTS code (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) classification plays a major role in determining duty rates, yet many brands overlook this as an area for optimization. Working with a tariff mitigation specialist can help reclassify goods into more accurate or cost-effective categories. These experts can also review documentation for errors, identify eligibility for duty exclusions, and recommend trade programs that offer relief. Even modest improvements in classification or compliance can drive significant cost savings across large-scale imports.
Partner with an Agile Ecommerce Accelerator
Finally, partnering with a marketplace accelerator like Spreetail can make a meaningful difference. In addition to managing fulfillment and inventory across major ecommerce platforms, Spreetail provides real-time pricing, promotional strategy, and supply chain guidance that helps brands stay competitive—even during major policy shifts. With predictive tools and deep operational support, brands gain the ability to move quickly, adjust strategy, and preserve profitability.
Tariffs are nothing new, but the pace and scale of 2025’s changes require brands to be more proactive than ever. With the United States government imposing higher duties on everything from aluminum to consumer electronics—and more policy shifts likely on the horizon—now is the time to reassess your supply chain strategy.
The most resilient brands are the ones that move forward, not stand still. In times of disruption, opportunity favors action—diversifying sourcing, improving transparency, and finding partners who are still investing in growth. Spreetail is actively making purchase orders, ready to help brands turn uncertainty into a competitive edge.
Digital Marketer
