Chinese import goods will now have an additional 10% tariff and customs inspections

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We’re just in the second month of 2025, but more and more Amazon sellers are scratching their heads over return fraud. Bad actors are working double-time to deceive FBA and FBM sellers alike, so it’s crucial to stay sharp.

Anyway, onto a lighter note this weekend—a new lineup of insightful news to ponder upon this weekend.

• Fast fashion slowdown 📉
• Amazon Ads Brand+ 🆕
• The secret to thriving on Amazon this 2025 ⭐
• Authenticity over perfection 💯
• Amazon’s top marketing trends 📌

BIG IDEA

Did you know Shein and Temu thrived in the U.S. by taking advantage of the “de minimis exemption?” This policy lets shipments under $800 enter duty-free and skip customs inspections!

⏸️ But their game is hitting some major speed bumps. CBS News reported that a new executive order not only slapped an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports but also suspended this exemption.

📦 Shipping delays & higher costs

Without the de minimis exemption, Chinese-based retailers will now face customs inspections and duties. This may result in:

• Delivery delays: Slower shipping times might frustrate customers who are used to quick order arrivals.
• Higher prices: Additional costs could be passed along to shoppers, dulling the appeal of budget-friendly options.

💡 Opportunity at hand

The tariff changes are indeed a big potential headache for overseas giants. But for sellers on platforms like Amazon, it's a golden opportunity. 🪙

Shoppers may start gravitating toward faster, more dependable local alternatives. This is your chance to win them over by offering the speed and dependability they crave.

FYI: On the same day, President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on tariffs against Mexico and Canada, signaling a strategic shift in U.S. trade policies.

TOGETHER WITH SELLER ALLIANCE

Thrive on Amazon with a FREE community of like-minded sellers

Selling on Amazon isn’t easy—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, the challenges are real, and it’s easy to feel stuck.

But you don’t have to go it alone. You’ve got the drive—now it’s time to join a community that will fuel your success.

That’s where Seller Alliance steps in.

This community, powered by industry experts who've built 8-figure brands, is designed to help you grow and succeed.

What’s in it for you?

• Access free, valuable resources, tools, and templates from Seller Interactive—without the cost of an agency
• Receive expert advice and personalized coaching from seasoned professionals
• Take advantage of courses and modules to learn skills that boost sales
• Get announcements, information, and insights to stay ahead of market trends

Selling on Amazon is challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. Surround yourself with a community of sellers who’ve been where you are—and who are ready to help you thrive.

Join the waitlist

BITES OF THE WEEK

• Amazon Thrives in AU: 94% of Australian shoppers purchase from online marketplaces, and Amazon tops their list.
• State of Delivery Report: Amazon has made 9 billion next-day/same-day deliveries in 2024.
• Low-air Volume: Logistics data says air cargo volumes might decrease throughout the year.

AMAZON NEWS

Target ready-to-buy shoppers with Amazon Ads' Brand+

Selling on Amazon just got a serious upgrade.

Deadline reported that Amazon Ads has launched Brand+. It’s a new tool designed to help sellers zero in on shoppers most likely to purchase within the next 3 months by:

• harnessing trillions of data points from shopping, browsing, and even streaming activity across Amazon's vast ecosystem; and
• implementing high-intent targeting.

🌐 Going beyond Amazon

Brand+ doesn’t just stick to Amazon’s platforms like Prime Video and Twitch. Your ads can also reach top publishers like BuzzFeed and Fox, as well as households connected through Fire TV and Amazon Channels.

This means your message can land wherever your audience streams content. Plus, you can:

• Gain higher sales potential. Sellers in beta testing saw a 10%+ sales boost and a 70% increase in website traffic.
• Implement AI-powered targeting. Automatically identify and engage customers most likely to buy your products.
• Launch streamlined campaigns in as few as 4 clicks, saving valuable time.
• Gather data-driven insights. Gain access to machine learning-powered strategies that improve campaign effectiveness.

✨ Endless possibilities within your reach

Brand+ isn’t just about making ads easier—it’s about making your investment work harder. With smarter targeting, seamless campaign setups, and a data-powered strategy, this tool could be your key to reaching your next customer before they even know they’re looking.

SOCIAL PULSE

4 reasons to prioritize authenticity over perfection

Exaggerated influencer ads, polished but shallow posts, and spammy AI-generated reviews—fake content has been flooding social media. It’s no wonder people are starting to tune out the noise.

👅 Search Engine Journal listed 4 reasons why authenticity—not perfection—is winning customers.

• People crave realness. Over 70% of people are wary about fake content online. It’s no wonder platforms like Threads are gaining traction as they offer a break from the gloss we’re used to on Instagram.
• Fake content is losing its grip. DYK that 3 out of 4 consumers are concerned about fake reviews? This is because over half of U.S. consumers have seen fake reviews, especially on Amazon. What's more, 63% of shoppers believe brands should step up on this growing problem. 👋
• AI + authenticity = Perfect mix. AI is great for tasks like collecting customer data, but it can’t replace the emotional impact of human storytelling. Successful brands are using AI to enhance their authenticity, not replace it. 🤝
• Transparency is key. To maintain trust, brands need to be clear about how content is created, disclose sponsored posts, and label AI-generated content. The FTC is watching, and so are consumers.
  • 64% of people expect brands to engage with them genuinely.

💯 Authenticity isn't optional

As AI gets smarter, authenticity will be the main weapon of brands that want to get on top. People want genuine connections, relatable stories, and helpful advice—not more bots selling products.

SELLER REFRESHER

Top 4 marketing trends for 2025 according to Amazon

Consumer behavior is constantly changing. Keeping up with these shifts is a must if you want to hit the mark with your audience.

🗒️ As you plan your marketing game, Amazon Seller Central has laid out 4 trends you’ll want to keep top of mind. 

1. AI is here to stay—and shoppers love it

Consumers are becoming more comfortable using AI tools for their purchases; 56% of online shoppers are on board.

💡 Tip: Use AI for price comparisons and deal alerts to enhance the shopping experience. 

2. New inflation-driven shopping attitudes are here

As inflation continues to impact spending, many shoppers are tightening their belts.

💡 Tip: Show empathy in your messaging. Acknowledge your buyers’ financial challenges and offer ways to beat ‘em, like earning opportunities.

3. Short-form vs. Long-form

In 2025, short-form and long-form content will compete for attention.

💡 Tip: Mix both types of content to engage customers in different ways and expand your reach across diverse platforms.

4. Trust is the new black in influencer marketing

Trust is everything in influencer marketing, especially with Gen Zers. They’re more likely to make purchases based on authentic influencer recommendations.

💡 Tip: Focus on building genuine, relatable partnerships.

These trends are powerful tools to help you craft a strategy that genuinely connects with your audience. Treat them as your opportunity to refresh, innovate, and create an impact that lasts. 💪