Brave new world: strategic implications of US policy changes for European e-commerce sellers
From this article, you will learn:
1. Consequences of the de minimis repeal: You will learn how the US decision (from August 29, 2025) to impose full duties and taxes on every international shipment—including previously duty-free packages under $800—drastically increases costs, raises the risk of customs delays, and hits the profitability of European companies that previously benefited from this loophole.
2. The end of FBA prep services by Amazon: You will understand why Amazon’s withdrawal (from January 1, 2026) of FBA preparation and labeling services forces European sellers to fully prepare products before they leave Europe, radically increasing operational complexity and the risk of shipment rejection.
3. Increased costs and logistics complexity (Poland/Europe): You will learn about the real, rising costs of shipments from Poland, including additional carrier fees (e.g., $14 for customs clearance and 15% duty on the invoice value for UPS/FedEx), which has been particularly painful for companies generating 2-5 million PLN annually on platforms like Etsy or Walmart, and also how these changes favor well-capitalized players (like Shein and Temu).
4. The need to shift strategy to fulfillment in the USA: The article will show that the combination of these logistical and customs revolutions is forcing European companies to abandon the “shipping from Europe” model in favor of warehousing and fulfillment in the USA, creating a new, urgent demand for 3PL partners and requiring an immediate supply chain audit and pricing strategy redesign.
