In April 2025, the U.S. introduced a new set of tariffs aimed at reshaping global trade and strengthening domestic industries. These updates are already affecting importers—including DTC and B2B brands that rely on overseas manufacturing and packaging. ‍

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Key changes include:

• A 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5, 2025.
• Country-specific tariffs of up to:
  • 34% on imports from China
  • 20% on imports from the European Union
  • 10% on goods from the United Kingdom
• The de minimis exemption—which previously allowed low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong (under $800) to enter duty-free—has been eliminated.

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In response, some trading partners, including China, have introduced countermeasures such as additional import duties and export restrictions on certain materials. While the direct impact varies by industry, these developments make it clear: brands need flexible operations and smart planning now more than ever. ‍

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Why This Matters for DTC and B2B Brands

For growing consumer brands, tariffs don’t just raise the cost of importing products—they impact everything from pricing strategy to inventory planning and cash flow. Increased duties can shrink margins, complicate forecasting, and delay inbound shipments.

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Higher Product Costs

Tariffs directly raise your cost per unit, especially if you're sourcing products, components, or packaging from overseas manufacturers. Many eCommerce brands—including thsoe selling on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify—rely on production partners in countries like China, where the new tariffs are being hit the hardest. Whether you import finished goods or just certain materials, your landed cost is going up and will affect your margins and pricing strategies. ‍

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Disruptions in Inventory Planning

Tariffs can throw off your entire supply chain timeline. If you’re trying to plan inventory around fast-moving SKUs, seasonal promotions, or launch timelines, unexpected duties and customs delays can lead to stockouts, overstock, or poor cash flow. This makes having a flexible, well-communicated fulfillment setup more important than ever.

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5 Ways eCommerce Brands Can Reduce Tariff Impact

Diversify Suppliers

One of the most effective ways to reduce tariff exposure is to build relationships with manufacturers in countries that aren’t currently facing high U.S. duties. Even partially shifting production away from heavily affected regions can make a significant impact on your landed costs.

• Source from countries like Vietnam, India, or Mexico that have more favorable trade terms
• Split production across multiple regions to reduce dependence on one supplier or country
• Negotiate competitive pricing with new suppliers to offset switching or onboarding costs

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Consider Domestic Production

Domestic manufacturing may come with higher base labor costs, but it can eliminate tariffs, reduce lead times, and boost your brand’s appeal. Even small shifts—like packaging or final assembly in the U.S.—can bring meaningful savings and greater control.

• Eliminate duties and reduce shipping delays
• Increase speed-to-market for top-selling SKUs
• Use "Made in USA" as a brand differentiator
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Repackage and Bundle Products

Repackaging and bundling after import is a practical way to navigate both duties and demand. Many brands see success by increasing perceived value through product combinations, while also avoiding higher finished-good tariff categories.

• Import components and assemble domestically to lower tariff classification
• Create bundles to boost average order value (AOV) and reduce per-unit shipping cost
• Move slower SKUs by pairing them with bestsellers

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Adjust Pricing Strategically

Raising prices doesn’t have to mean losing customers—it’s about being smart and intentional. When done with transparency and value in mind, pricing adjustments can help offset rising costs without damaging loyalty.

• Increase prices on bestsellers or high-demand SKUs
• Offer bundles, subscriptions, or exclusive packs to increased perceived value
• Use "pre-tariff pricing" promos to drive urgency before rates increase

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Work with 3PL to Optimize Shipping Costs

Your fulfillment partner plays a huge role in how efficiently (and affordably) you get orders out the door. A good 3PL can help you take control of shipping expenses, which is critical when tariffs are already cutting into margin.

• Access negotiated carrier rates you can't get on your own
• Improve LTL and freight efficiency through smarter consolidation
• Get help choosing cost-effective shipping methods per channel

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Tariffs aren’t going anywhere—but they don’t have to derail your business. The brands that come out ahead are the ones that stay flexible, think strategically, and take action. Whether it’s reworking your supply chain or adjusting your pricing, these five moves can help protect your margins and keep operations running smoothly.

Use this moment as a chance to tighten your strategy and make smarter logistics decisions—the kind that carry long-term impact, not just short-term fixes.

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