ICYMI: US–China trade truce rolls back tariffs by 115 points

After weeks of tariff blows left and right, we finally have some good news. It’s time to breathe a sigh of relief and get your Q2 sourcing strategy on track.

Here's the good news:

• Trade truce slashes tariffs by 115 points 🤝
• Boost profits with up to 75% off referral fees 💸
• Walmart’s basket fee isn’t tied to tariffs 🛒
• Brand Analytics hacks top sellers swear by 💡

HOT TOPIC

Here’s an unbelievable headline: the U.S. and China just agreed to roll back tariffs—for REAL. 

After a weekend of intense negotiations in Geneva, the U.S. and China issued a joint statement announcing a major step back from their years-long trade standoff, for at least the next 90 days, according to CNN.

🔍 What just happened?

• Tariffs slashed by 115 points on both sides.
  • U.S. duties on China-based goods will drop from 145% to 30%.
  • China’s tariffs on U.S. imports will fall from 125% to 10%.
• Effective May 14—the 90-day tariff relief window begins.
• Fentanyl-related U.S. tariffs remain—no changes there.
• China suspends non-tariff retaliations, including:
  • Rare-earth export bans
  • Blacklisting of U.S. firms
  • Ongoing antitrust investigations

🌈 A rainbow after the storm?

Trade officials have agreed to keep talking, rotating future meetings between the U.S., China, and neutral ground. So while the truce is temporary, the tone is promising. 🤞

TL;DR: It’s not a full resolution—but it’s the most optimistic trade news we’ve seen in a while.If you’ve been eating higher import fees, this is your window to breathe (and rebuild margins).

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

Walmart’s New-Seller Savings helped Senville grow their bottom line

One of the goals for top-performing HVAC company Senville was to boost trust in their brand, and since Walmart is one of the world’s most trusted brands, their next step was clear. “You have to be on Walmart Marketplace if you want to be considered an eCommerce brand that’s successful,” said Fawzi Karout, a digital marketing consultant at Senville.  

Senville joined Walmart Marketplace during New-Seller Savings, an incentive program that offers new sellers discounts on base referral fees, ads and fulfillment. The discounts on base referral fees were a particular help in achieving their growth milestones,

 since VentiMarket kept a larger percentage of their net profits from each sale.  

This year’s New-Seller Savings is happening now and bigger than ever. New sellers can get up to $75K in incentives, including up to 75% off on base referral fees*. Check out all the savings. 

*Conditions apply. 

Join Walmart Marketplace today

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Amazon Seller Summit: Last call to book your tickets for Amazon Seller Summit happening on May 14, 2025.
• Alliant Allies with Amazon: Amazon DSP users can now leverage Alliant data for their programmatic ad buys
• Best CPM Networks: Top CPM ad networks bring both recognition to brands and profit for publishers.
• Ask Amazon Now: Amazon's live Q&A on May 13 will focus on optimizing supply chains with AWD.

TRENDING TOPIC

Walmart clarifies reinstated basket fee has no ties to tariffs

When Walmart reinstated its $6.99 fee for grocery delivery and pickup orders under $35, the internet did what it does best: jump to conclusions. 

Some headlines blamed the return of the fee on Trump-era tariffs (understandably so). But Mashable fact-checked this with Walmart, and the retail giant says that’s just not true.

☑️ Setting the record straight 

• The fee only applies to Walmart+ Assist members (those using EBT, Medicaid, etc.) for online orders under $35.
• It doesn’t apply to in-store purchases.
• Walmart says the change has nothing to do with tariffs—just a return to pre-COVID pricing norms.
• Similar basket fees are common across retailers, including Target.

📊 Why it matters

Walmart serves more SNAP shoppers than any other grocer—94% of them shopped there in the last year. So when small fees change, it gets attention. But this one isn’t tariff-driven. It’s logistics, not politics.

💡 Seller tip: Minimum order value (MOV) thresholds can help cover fulfillment costs and protect margins. But set them carefully—too high, and you risk turning away value-conscious shoppers.

ACTIONABLE ADVICE

5 ways top sellers use Amazon Brand Analytics

Sure, everyone says they use Amazon Brand Analytics—but most sellers barely scratch the surface. Sequence broke down ways to unlock its full potential:

• Profit-first pricing. Instead of dropping prices to stay competitive, use the Item Comparison & Alternate Purchase Report to identify pricing gaps—and fill them with high-value offers. 💸
  • Example: If your $29.99 charger is compared to a $19.99 one, highlight your premium features and reposition as the better-value option at $34.99.
• Demand forecasting. Use the Search Term Report as a forecasting tool. If certain keywords spike in search rank months before actual sales rise, it’s your early warning system. 📈
  • Example: “UV protection sunglasses” sees keyword momentum in February? You restock by March—while your competitors are still waiting for sales data to catch up.
• Target high-value customers. The Market Basket Analysis Report shows what your customers buy alongside your products—and reveals who’s willing to spend. 🎯
  • Example: If your coffee grinder buyers are also purchasing $100+ espresso machines, pivot your messaging to emphasize premium features and launch Sponsored Display ads for those customers.
• Outposition competitors. The Alternate Purchase Report is your cheat sheet for “stealing” market share. Use it to spot competitor weak points and position your product as the smarter choice. 🕵️
  • Example: Competitor air fryer reviews mention cleaning issues? Your product title: “Dishwasher-Safe, Easy-to-Clean Air Fryer.” That’s how you win without spending more on ads.
• Turn one-time buyers into subscribers. Repeat customers are where the profit is. Use the Repeat Purchase Behavior Report to find your stickiest products—then create offers that keep people coming back. ♻️
  • Example: If 40% of your vitamin buyers reorder, offer Subscribe & Save discounts and retarget them with Sponsored Display ads after 30 days.

Amazon Brand Analytics isn’t just about data—it’s about decision-making. Use it not to look back, but to move forward.