Amazon's "Aged Inventory" Policy: A Looming Threat to Sellers
As the peak season concludes, cross-border sellers face mounting pressure from Amazon's new "aged inventory" policy. Starting 2026, the platform will impose significantly higher storage fees for inventory older than six months:
- 6-15 month inventory: Substantially increased surcharges
- Over 15 months: Fees may reach 13 times standard monthly rates
The automatic monthly fee updates on the 15th require sellers to complete inventory audits before January 15 to avoid profit erosion.
Strategic Responses:
- Data-driven inventory optimization: Implement predictive analytics to align purchasing with demand
- Accelerated clearance: Leverage promotions, bundles, and influencer collaborations
- Channel diversification: Expand to independent sites and social commerce platforms
- Strategic liquidation: Consider controlled disposal to minimize long-term costs
Vietnam's E-Commerce Boom: Agriculture Leads Growth
Vietnam's digital economy continues its rapid expansion, with e-commerce growing at 18-25% annually to reach $32 billion by 2025. Agricultural e-commerce emerges as the most promising sector for 2026-2030, enabling local producers to overcome distribution barriers and increase product value.
Market Entry Essentials:
- Product selection: Focus on affordable apparel, home goods, and artisanal products
- Localized operations: Employ native teams for culturally adapted marketing and service
- Logistics infrastructure: Partner with reliable local providers or establish regional warehouses
- Payment flexibility: Offer cash-on-delivery and mobile wallet options
Temu's Shopify Integration: Streamlining Global Expansion
The newly launched Temu-Shopify application enables merchants to access 30+ markets through existing Shopify accounts, eliminating the need for country-specific platforms. This tool supports unified inventory and customer service management while reducing operational costs.
Optimizing the Platform:
- Curate competitively priced, high-quality products
- Enhance listings with compelling visuals and descriptions
- Maintain responsive customer service
- Participate in platform promotional campaigns
Global Shipping Costs: Navigating the Surge
Recent data shows continuous increases in container shipping rates, with key routes experiencing 2-3% weekly growth. The Shanghai-Genoa route reached $3,427 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai-Rotterdam hit $2,584.
Logistics Strategies:
- Secure capacity through long-term carrier agreements
- Optimize transport modes based on product requirements
- Distribute shipments across multiple routes
- Streamline operational efficiency
Emerging Trends: Niche Brands and Platform Dynamics
Swedish brand Stolt of Sweden demonstrated the power of targeted marketing with its BootSki product, generating 140 million TikTok views in three weeks. Meanwhile, Korea's e-commerce landscape shifts as Coupang faces user attrition (-4.1% weekly active users) following data security concerns, creating opportunities for local platforms.
Overseas Warehouse Risks: Protecting Your Inventory
Recent closures of five U.S. fulfillment centers left 2,000 sellers facing $200 million in losses. Key precautions include:
- Selecting established providers with five-year operational history
- Prioritizing stability over pricing
- Conducting physical inspections when possible
- Securing comprehensive contracts and insurance