3 Top Strategies to Survive Shifting Tariffs as a US Ecommerce Brand

If you are shipping to the UK, Canada or the rest of the world as a US ecommerce brand, you need these 3 top strategies to adapt and thrive amongst the fluctuating tariffs in 2025.

As of February 2025, higher US tariffs have been introduced on various imports, starting with a tariff on Chinese goods. These adjustments to multiple tariffs around the world have shifted up and down constantly since the beginning of this year. It is the possibility of further sudden shifts in rates that is leaving companies unsure of their economic environment and finding a reliable way to get their products from warehouse to consumer.

Beyond the United States, these fluctuations will influence global trade, impacting trade relations with Canada and the EU. E-commerce brands may experience shifts due to the continued uncertainty around tariff changes, which could influence prices for consumers across a range of products, from coffee to clothing.

Impact on US Ecommerce Businesses

So, how does this affect US ecommerce businesses?

US ecommerce brands are now navigating significant adjustments in their business models as tariffs influence supply chains and their pricing strategies. The shifting tariffs have raised costs for raw materials and introduced shipping delays, which can complicate product manufacturing, deter customers, and affect overall profitability. All of which may affect the bottom line of many US ecommerce brands.

So, how can your US ecommerce brand adapt to the current tariff environment?

Strategies for Adapting to Tariff Changes

Here are 3 strategies we have put together for US ecommerce brands to manage and thrive amongst these new tariff-related challenges:

1. Protect Your Home Markets

Effective customer care is essential during times of uncertainty. Companies should ensure that customers can easily reach out with questions and receive updates regarding their orders amidst the fluctuating tariffs. Providing clear communication, FAQS, and responsive customer support can foster stronger relationships and make sure your brand navigates this tariff environment well.

It is also crucial to reassess your pricing strategy for these profitable working relationships. One way of implementing this is to stay regularly informed about competitor pricing and the relevant market conditions.

Nurturing your customer relationships and optimising their pricing can help maintain your financial stability as a US brand, especially as some US citizens may choose to scale back on their spending as a response to the uncertainty surrounding shifting tariffs.

2. Seek New Markets

To protect your business’s financial security, especially when tariffs may disrupt the ability to ship products, diversifying your customer base to a variety of customers and exploring the rest of the world’s shops outside of the US and your international markets can help mitigate these risks.

Additionally, sourcing from alternative suppliers can provide a buffer against any potential disruptions to your supply chain.

3. Choose a Route to Market Partner

One of the best ways of preventing any issues surrounding tariff changes is by regularly evaluating your inventory and your route to your consumer market. Some companies are looking for non-US fulfilment partners to manage their shipping more effectively, especially if tariffs continue to impact costs. Utilising international fulfilment services can enhance your brand’s efficiency and affordability when shipping to regions like the EU or Canada.

With the UK leading in ecommerce adoption, Vdepot can help navigate these challenges of entering European markets post-Brexit, offering efficient solutions for both B2B and B2C operations with duty-paid shipping throughout the EU, UK, Canada and the rest of the world. We help you with corporate compliance and registration, including working with tax authorities like HMRC. Guidance on data coding for auto shipping is provided along with deliver duty paid services to further simplify your logistics.

Our market research also suggests that our courier rates and service turnaround times at Vdepot are comparable to Canada from the US, whilst our courier fees are competitive compared to other UK/US-fulfilment services, and more affordable in a lot of cases from the UK to Canada. With the UK remaining a low-tariff ecommerce hub, Canada also presents favourable tariffs and language advantages for our UK-to-Canada shipping for many of our US ecommerce brands. Our knowledgeable team knows the UK and European markets, helping you connect with the right audience and ensure compliance in key areas like cosmetics and food.

We are experienced in supporting international ecommerce brands and understand the complexities that arise during periods of economic and political change. For US brands seeking growth in the EU, Canada and beyond, Vdepot is your trusted ally in international expansion and a reliable route to market in this shifting tariff economic environment.

Get Reliable Fulfilment Support

If you would like more information on how we can support your international operations, please reach out to us.

About Us Launch in the UK with Vdepot Fulfillment Contact Us
BACK TO RESOURCES

Share: