If you’re an Amazon seller relying on overseas products — especially from China — you’ve probably noticed some shifts in pricing, sourcing, and strategy. A big part of that? Tariffs introduced during the Trump administration. Here’s how they’re changing the game:
1. Import Costs Are Up
Sourcing from China used to be cost-effective. Now, tariffs can tack on hundreds of dollars to each shipment. A $600 order could face an extra $105 in duties — and that bites into your bottom line fast.
2. Margin Pressure Is Real
Most sellers can’t pass costs back to suppliers, so you’re stuck choosing between raising your prices or absorbing the hit. Neither option is ideal — and both affect your ability to stay competitive.
3. De Minimis Changes Are Raising Barriers
The removal of the duty-free exemption for small shipments (under $800) is a big deal. It impacts low-cost sellers the most and forces everyone to rethink how they move products across borders.
4. Supply Chains Are Getting a Makeover
Many sellers are now exploring alternate sourcing — from Vietnam, India, or even domestic options — in an effort to dodge high-tariff zones and keep things running smoothly.
5. Logistics Are More Complex
Switching suppliers or countries adds layers of planning. Think new timelines, new paperwork, and more juggling to avoid stockouts or delays — all while keeping customer satisfaction high.
6. Amazon’s Advantage Is Growing
While third-party sellers adjust, Amazon itself may benefit. With rivals like Shein and Temu also facing new hurdles, the field is shifting in Amazon’s favor — even if the ripple effect hits sellers hardest.
7. The Smart Sellers Are Getting Strategic
Success in this environment means being flexible. Sellers who diversify, monitor policy changes, and build resilient sourcing plans are better equipped to handle what’s next.
Sources
Cohen, Chelsea. (2025, February 07). Amazon Tariffs: What the New De Minimis Rules Mean to Sellers. Retrieved from https://www.carbon6.io/blog/amazon-tariffs-guide-sellers-de-minimis-rules-2025/
Hanbury, Mary. (2019, June 24). Trump’s Tariffs Threaten One of Amazon’s Most Successful Businesses. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariffs-threaten-amazon-marketplace-business-2019-6
Marcus, Michael. (2025, April 06). Trump’s Tariffs Hit Apple and Amazon Stocks. Retrieved from https://www.tipranks.com/news/trumps-tariffs-hit-apple-and-amazon-stocks-but-analysts-at-big-banks-stay-firm#google_vignette
PAS. (2025, January 05). Navigating the Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Amazon Sellers. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-impact-trumps-tariffs-amazon-sellers-strategies-thjbe
Smith, Allison. (2025, March 06). Amazon sellers face new financial hit as Trump’s tariffs add to rising fees. Retrieved from https://www.modernretail.co/operations/marketplace-briefing-amazon-sellers-face-new-financial-hit-as-trumps-tariffs-add-to-rising-fees/
Team, Trefis (2025, April 03). AMZN Stock To $120? How Tariffs Could Reshape Amazon’s Future. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2025/04/03/amzn-stock-to-120-how-tariffs-could-reshape-amazons-future/
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