shipping market News

Tariff Engineering Strategies Aim to Cut Costs and Raise Profits

Tariff engineering is a strategy that involves fine-tuning product design, materials, or functionality to qualify for lower tariff rates. It effectively reduces import costs and enhances product competitiveness. Tools like the Flexport Tariff Simulator enable businesses to analyze tariff implications in real-time, optimize product plans, and achieve profit growth. By strategically modifying products to fit within more favorable tariff classifications, companies can significantly lower their overall landed costs and improve their market position. This proactive approach to tariff management is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge

DHL Expands EV Logistics in Asiapacific with New Hub

DHL Group has established an Electric Vehicle (EV) Center of Excellence in Asia Pacific to strengthen its end-to-end EV logistics and supply chain solutions, addressing the rapidly growing Asian EV market. These centers offer comprehensive services ranging from capital equipment to aftermarket logistics, connecting to a global network to tackle industry challenges like battery recycling. DHL views the new energy sector as a key area for future growth, investing in infrastructure and expertise to support the expanding EV ecosystem across the region and globally. The focus is on providing sustainable and efficient solutions.

11/03/2025 Logistics

China Expands Service Trade with New Negative List

The Ministry of Commerce is fully implementing the negative list for cross-border service trade, aiming to enhance the level of opening-up, boost market vitality, and promote economic transformation and upgrading. The new policy clarifies the admission "baseline", improves policy transparency, and actively aligns with international rules, bringing new development opportunities for enterprises. Companies should pay close attention to policy trends, adjust their strategies, and operate in compliance to seize the benefits of opening-up. This initiative is expected to foster a more dynamic and competitive environment for the service sector.

11/03/2025 Logistics

Amazon Expands FBA Resale Program for Returns in Europe

Amazon Europe launched the FBA Grading and Resale program to help sellers re-evaluate and grade returned products for resale, reducing return losses, optimizing resource allocation, and meeting diverse consumer needs. Implemented in select European marketplaces, this program offers sellers a novel returns solution, promoting sustainable development within the e-commerce market. It allows returned items to be assessed and sold at a discount, providing a win-win for both sellers looking to recoup losses and budget-conscious buyers. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the returns process.

11/03/2025 Logistics

Firms Prioritize Resilient Supply Chains Over Costcutting

This paper argues that traditional supply chain management overly focuses on cost control and supplier monitoring, neglecting the importance of supply chain resilience. It emphasizes that supply chain management should prioritize optimizing supply chain structure, enhancing the ability to withstand external shocks, and gaining a deep understanding of supplier market characteristics. By analyzing supply chain elasticity, the vulnerability of the supply chain can be assessed and improved, ultimately building a more competitive supply chain network. This shift in focus allows for proactive risk mitigation and a more robust response to disruptions.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights

China Ecommerce Firms Face Scrutiny Over variable Pay Layoff Tactics

The implementation of a 'variable salary' system in a cross-border e-commerce company has sparked heated discussions. Eliminating base salaries and increasing commission rates, while seemingly incentivizing, may be a disguised form of layoffs. Companies should seek innovation during market downturns, but must consider employee benefits, avoiding crude cost-cutting measures. Optimizing products, refining operations, building strong teams, and implementing reasonable cost control are the keys to long-term success. This approach ensures both company growth and fair treatment of employees, fostering a sustainable and ethical business environment.