Margins, Memos, and Major eCommerce Moves
This month’s Commerce Corner stories come with real impact. Tariffs are climbing, imports are shifting, and platforms are laying down new rules. From Apple’s five-plane airlift to Shopify’s AI push, the message is clear: smart moves—and sharp timing—are everything right now. That’s why we’ve pulled together the breakdown to help you stay ready.
📈 Tariff Update
The U.S. ramped up tariffs on Chinese imports, China responded in kind, and most other countries are in a temporary holding pattern. Either way, it’s a cost shakeup for eCommerce. Now’s a good time to revisit your sourcing and pricing strategy.
📦 Amazon Pulls Back on China Orders
Amazon abruptly canceled POs from longtime vendors in China—just as tariffs started climbing. Many suspect this was a move to avoid rising costs.
If you source from China, it might be time for a backup plan.
✈️ Apple Flew Five Planes of iPhones Into the U.S.
Trillion-dollar companies don’t mess around. Especially when it comes to timing. Apple is rumored to have stayed ahead of the tariffs with a move that was less “panic” and more “precision.” You don’t need planes to move with purpose.
📫 USPS Is Tightening Up Its Timelines
Phase 1 of the new delivery standards is already live, and Phase 2 is set to roll out in July. The goal is to cut costs and boost reliability. As part of the update, delivery estimates are now ZIP-code based.
If USPS is in your mix, check your shipping timelines.
🤖 Shopify Says AI Isn’t Optional Anymore
A leaked memo revealed Shopify’s new rule: use AI or explain why not. It’s a clear signal that automation is no longer optional .It’s now central to eCommerce.
If you’re not already leaning into AI, this might be your cue.
💸 The $800 Loophole Is Closing
The de minimis rule that lets small imports skip duties is coming to an end for China and Hong Kong on May 2. Sellers can expect higher costs and potential shipping slowdowns.
If low cost imports are part of your plan, it’s time for a backup.
Commerce Corner Integration Spotlight
Selling wholesale through Faire? You can now manage those orders and inventory right alongside your DTC channels—and that’s exactly why we’re excited to spotlight our latest integration with Faire, the online wholesale marketplace connecting independent brands with retailers around the world.
This new integration is powered by Syncware, allowing Ordoro users to automatically sync inventory levels and streamline fulfillment. As a result, manual work is reduced—no more toggling between platforms or worrying about overselling across channels.
If you are thinking about adding Faire to your mix, we can show you how it all connects.
Commerce Chatter
Are shipping costs quietly eating away at your profits? You’re not alone. Hidden shipping mistakes are some of the sneakiest profit killers in eCommerce. That’s why, in this episode of The Business of eCommerce, we’re breaking down the most common shipping errors that could be costing your business thousands every year.
Tune in to uncover strategies for spotting unnecessary costs, negotiating better carrier rates, and streamlining your parcel shipping—so you can keep more of what you earn.
That’s a wrap on this edition of Commerce Corner. We covered tariffs, timelines, and tools that might just shift how you work—and honestly, that’s plenty. So go ahead, close that laptop, spin in your chair, and maybe even throw in a victory fist pump. You’ve earned it. We’ll be back soon with more industry updates and eCommerce moves worth watching.
The Ordoro Team
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