Today in Global Small Business: Global Expansion Simplified for SMEs

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Global expansion simplified for SMEs.
• FAQs for tariffs and customs regulations.
• Shein’s and Temu’s prices will get hit even harder by the new de minimis rule.
• Quote of the week:  "Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." — John D. Rockefeller
• How to sell on eBay in 2025.
• reddit member asks:  Etsy Sellers: How many of you ship worldwide? Is international selling that easy?

Alex Yancher from Passport Shipping on DTC Tariffs

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Ref:  Temu, Shein, and the ‘First Sale Rule’: The Next Big Test for DTC Tariffs

From Alex Yancher, CEO/Co-founder, Passport Shipping: "Did you know that Temu/Shein and other China-based shippers are planning on paying US tariffs on the cost of goods, not the retail value? So for a Temu product that a buyer pays $20 for, Temu will pay tariffs on COGS, something closer to $2 vs. $20 (sales price). Let’s say tariffs are 20%, that’s only $0.40. Temu’s prices will go from $20 to $20.40. *But there’s a catch*."

How does it work?  Read his full LinkedIn post here.

The De Minimis Rule is a Cornerstone of Small Business Success Globally

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The de minimis rule is a cornerstone of small-business success globally. It allows goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. with minimal customs paperwork, no need for a broker and streamlined processing.

For small businesses, this simplified process is a lifeline. It makes global trade possible and helps businesses manage their supply chains without excessive regulation and cost. The potential removal de minimis will hurt small businesses and ultimately hurt customers.

The questions also becomes how does the de minimus rule help the SHEIN's and TEMU's of the world?

Read on because there are pros and cons.

Big Global Ambitions: TikTok, Temu and Shein

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China has been “the world’s factory” for decades, with made-in-China goods reaching global consumers through foreign brands, shops, or sites like Amazon. And the country has had a vibrant domestic e-commerce sector, with companies like Alibaba and JD.com growing into juggernauts.

Now see how Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop are causing a stir and going global with big ambitions.