Menu
Trump tariffs UK e-commerce: what does it mean for you?
With Trump’s proposed 2025 tariffs back in the headlines, including a 10% blanket tariff on all imports into the US, UK e-commerce brands need to get ahead, fast. Whether you’re sourcing from Asia, manufacturing in Europe, or shipping into the US from WAF’s warehouses, these trade changes could impact your bottom line.
At We Are Fulfilment, we work with ambitious e-commerce brands operating across borders. In this post, we’re cutting through the noise to show what’s happening, why it matters, and how to protect your margins if these tariffs become reality.
If you're actively planning for Q2 or Q3 growth, this ties closely with our UK fulfilment trends for 2024 — it’s a must-read alongside this post.
Our partners don’t operate in silos. They manufacture in Asia, pack in the UK, and ship across the globe. When US policy shifts, it can hit product costs, fulfilment routes, shipping timelines, customer expectations, and your bottom line. Even if you’re not shipping directly into the States, your suppliers might be, and that trickles down fast.
We break this down further in our Peak Planning Checklist, where resilient fulfilment strategies start long before orders land.
We’re not just a fulfilment provider — we’re a strategic ally. Here’s what we’re doing (and recommending):
- Scenario planning: What happens to your margins if costs rise by 10–20%?
- Dual-site fulfilment: Should some of your stock live in the US?
- Freight re-routing: Are there smarter, faster alternatives?
- Supplier conversations: Renegotiate before they do.
- Transparent communication: Your customers will thank you.
Choosing the right partner is half the battle. Here’s our take on how to choose the right fulfilment partner for your growth plans.
Our Advice? Prepare, Don’t Panic.
This isn’t about fear — it’s about flexibility. If Trump’s tariffs become policy, the most prepared brands will move first and win faster. That’s what we’re helping our partners do.
One of the ways we’re raising standards is through our integration with Amazon Shipping — worth a look if you’re thinking about last-mile resilience too.
Want to Dig Deeper?
- Here’s how we support international fulfilment for global e-commerce brands
- Bloomberg’s report on Trump’s proposed tariff strategy
Will Trump’s tariffs affect UK e-commerce brands?
Yes. If introduced, Trump tariffs in 2025 could increase the cost of importing goods into the US. That has knock-on effects for UK sellers, especially those fulfilling US orders from UK or EU warehouses.
The proposals include a 10% universal import tariff into the US, with some targeted tariffs rising up to 60% depending on country of origin.
Scenario planning, supply chain audits, and fulfilment strategies are key. Some of our partners are already exploring dual-site stockholding, US-based 3PLs, and renegotiating supplier terms to stay competitive.
We help brands with predictive insights, risk analysis, and fulfilment network planning. If you’re worried about rising costs or slower shipping times, we’ll help you build a smart, resilient strategy.
And if sustainability is also on your radar, you’ll want to see how our recycling and ESG commitments are evolving as part of long-term operational planning.
Need a plan?
Let’s chat about how you can stay ahead of whatever comes next.
In light of the new US tariffs, partners who are currently shipping orders to the US and elsewhere should be aware. The changes are significant and could substantially impact the commercial viability of US-bound sales for our partners.
The updated tariffs are based on the country of origin for goods entering the US. For example, goods manufactured in China now face a total import duty impact of up to 150% of the product value. (This has already increased since earlier today, due to US retaliation against new Chinese tariffs on American products.)
Depending on the delivery terms partners have chosen with carriers, the cost implications could be severe:
• If the customer pays for customs clearance, the elevated cost could result in refused deliveries and returned goods, doubling the carrier cost for partners — with no sale.
• If the partner pays for customs clearance, and hasn’t factored in the new tariffs, they may incur significant losses on each US order.
In both cases, any costs passed to WAF by carriers will be forwarded to the partner. It’s crucial that partners reassess the commercial viability of shipping to the US under current conditions.
Our advice is to pause all US-bound shipments in the short term until there is greater clarity around the outcome of these negotiations. Alternatively, partners must be prepared for substantially higher delivery costs.
Our Operations Solutions team are informed of the situation will be reaching out to WAF partners with options and solutions.
We Are Fulfilment 1
Unit 4, Julias Way
Lowmoor Road
Kirkby-in-Ashfield
NG17 7RB
We Are Fulfilment 2
Mark St
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5AD
We Are Fulfilment can help supercharge your eCom with tailored solutions designed for your needs.
Please fill out the information opposite, and we’ll have one of our fulfilment specialists get back to you shortly.
Complete the form or call:
The We Are Fulfilment team are available weekdays 8am-5pm.
We Are Fulfilment can help supercharge your eCom with tailored solutions designed for your needs.
Please fill out the information opposite, so we can understand how best we could work with you.
The We Are Fulfilment team are available weekdays 8am-5pm.