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TL;DR: January 2026 marks a watershed moment for cross-border e-commerce. The US de minimis exemption is now fully eliminated — all packages require formal customs entry with duties ranging from $80-$200 per package. Mexico's comprehensive customs reform is even more significant: tariffs up to 50% on 1,463 product categories, de minimis eliminated for non-USMCA shipments, and digital platforms face new tax withholding requirements starting April 2026. The "kill switch" provision allows Mexico to block non-compliant platforms entirely. Chinese New Year (February 17) factory slowdowns are starting early. Nordic bright spot: PostNord simplifies parcel collection with new code-based pickup system. For dropshippers, the message is clear — direct China-to-Mexico fulfillment is no longer economically viable for most products. Adapt your pricing, compliance, and fulfillment strategy now.

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January 2026: The New Reality for Cross-Border E-commerce

This month's intelligence focuses on regulatory changes that fundamentally reshape dropshipping economics. If you're still pricing based on duty-free assumptions, you're already losing money.

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US De Minimis Elimination: Now Fully Enforced

What Changed:

The US $800 de minimis exemption is gone. As of August 29, 2025, all imports require formal customs entry regardless of value or origin country.

Current Duty Structure (Postal Shipments):

Enforcement Results (NEW):

• CBP has collected $1 billion in duties since de minimis ended for China/Hong Kong
• Seizures of unsafe goods up 82% — counterfeit products, narcotics, faulty electronics
• 95% of former de minimis shipments now processed by FedEx, UPS, DHL with minimal disruption

What This Means:

• Every package from China now incurs minimum $200 duty
• 1.4 billion packages that entered duty-free in 2024 now face duties
• All imports require 10-digit HTS codes in ACE system
• February 28, 2026: Only ad valorem duty methodology permitted — deadline approaching

Our Experience:

For typical dropshipping, individual package values stay well below the former $800 threshold — most successful dropshipping products are priced under $50-100. Higher-value items face additional challenges: conversion rates drop significantly above $100, and carrier handling reliability decreases for expensive packages. We generally encourage sellers to focus on products under $50-100 where dropshipping economics work best.

Action Items:

1. Update product pricing to reflect $200+ per-package duty
2. Ensure HTS code compliance for all products
3. Consider US-based fulfillment for high-volume products
4. Focus on products priced $50-100 or below where margins absorb duty costs

Sources: CBP Newsroom, SupplyChainBrain, DHL

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Mexico Customs Reform: Higher Duties, Stricter Compliance

What Changed:

Mexico's comprehensive customs and tax reform took effect January 1, 2026, introducing the most significant changes to cross-border e-commerce in over a decade:

Tariff Increases (Targeting Non-FTA Countries):

• Duty increases from 5% to 50% across 1,463 tariff codes
• Tiered by product type:
  • Raw materials/basic intermediate goods: 10-15%
  • Semi-finished goods/critical components: 20-35%
  • Finished/high value-added products: 35-50%
• E-commerce specific: 19% tariff on products imported via courier from non-FTA countries (primarily affecting Temu, Shein, AliExpress shipments)
• Some reports indicate rates have increased to 33.5% or higher for Chinese imports

De Minimis Elimination:

• Mexico eliminated its de minimis exemption for low-value shipments from non-USMCA countries
• Courier shipments from Asia now face 19% single tax rate regardless of value
• Only USMCA-qualified shipments retain de minimis benefits ($50 duty-free, 17% tax on $50-$117)

Digital Platform Tax Obligations (New):

• Digital platforms must register with SAT (Mexican Tax Authority)
• Platforms must withhold 50% VAT and 2.5% income tax when seller provides RFC
• Real-time access to operational data required starting April 1, 2026
• "Kill switch" provision: Non-compliant platforms may have internet access suspended in Mexico
• Data storage requirements: 5 years, with SAT access to transactional records

Enhanced Compliance Requirements:

• Digital transmission of customs value via VUCEM before clearance
• Mandatory electronic storage of supporting documents
• Real-time supervision by customs authority (ANAM)
• Shared liability between importers and customs agents for documentation accuracy
• Importers must verify foreign suppliers have legal and physical capacity to supply goods

Penalties:

• Fines up to 300% of goods' value for inaccurate documentation or false supplier information
• Potential revocation of licenses and authorizations
• SAT notice submission deadline: April 30, 2026

Affected Categories:

Automotive, textile/apparel, plastics, steel, appliances, aluminum, footwear, paper, leather goods, furniture, glass, toys, motorcycles, trailers — essentially all major dropshipping product categories.

What This Means for Dropshippers:

1. Direct China-to-Mexico shipments are significantly more expensive — a $10 product now faces duties that could more than double the landed cost
2. Standard AliExpress/Temu fulfillment to Mexico is increasingly impractical — 19-33.5% duties plus compliance risk
3. Platforms face new withholding obligations — expect e-commerce platforms to implement new tax collection mechanisms
4. Documentation requirements are stricter — one wrong field can trigger 300% penalties

Our Experience:

We've navigated multiple customs regulation changes in Mexico since 2025. Here's what actually happens on the ground:

• Delays are real but manageable: During regulation changes, customs clearance slows. The worst delay we experienced in 2025 was about 2 weeks; typically it's around 1 week during transition periods.
• No bulk seizures: Working with top specialists in Mexico customs, we have not experienced any major bulk package seizures. Individual delays yes, losses no.
• First to recover: After each regulatory pause, we've been among the earliest to resume normal customs clearance in the industry.
• Duty-inclusive pricing stability: When customers ask how tariffs affect their quoted price — they don't. Our duty-inclusive model means the price stays the same with the same shipping time, regardless of tariff changes.
• Competitors struggling: We've seen competitors either raising prices significantly or requiring RFC for each shipping label. Our shipping carrier continues to provide solutions — they're experts in this field and will maintain capability through April 2026 and beyond.

Mexico remains a priority market for dropshipping, but the compliance bar has risen dramatically. Our duty-inclusive shipping model absorbs this complexity — sellers using standard fulfillment will face increased rejected shipments, unexpected duties passed to customers, and potential penalties.

Key Dates to Watch:

• January 1, 2026: Tariff and customs reforms effective ✓
• April 1, 2026: Digital platform data access requirements begin
• April 30, 2026: SAT notice submission deadline for platforms
• July 2026: USMCA joint review (expect stricter anti-circumvention measures)

Sources: White & Case, KPMG - Digital Platforms, KPMG - Trade Rules, QIMA, HKTDC Research, Crane Worldwide, FreightWaves

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Chinese New Year 2026: Disruptions Starting Early

Key Dates:

• CNY falls on February 17, 2026
• Factory closures: February 15-23 (minimum)
• Disruption window: Mid-January through early March

What's Different This Year:

The slowdown is starting earlier than usual. Contributing factors:

• Valentine's Day overlap: For the first time in years, Valentine's Day (Feb 14) falls just 3 days before CNY (Feb 17) — creating unprecedented fulfillment pressure
• Export control compliance audits
• Material shortages from new restrictions
• Delayed payments due to tariff uncertainty
• Ocean carriers front-loading shipments then blanking sailings
• Up to 25% of factory workers may not return to their previous employers after CNY

Freight Rate Impact:

Trans-Pacific rates already up 22% to West Coast ($2,617/FEU) — and climbing. Expect continued increases through February.

Our Experience:

CNY disruption management happens every year, and the key is proactive supplier communication starting at least 45 days before the holiday. We contact each manufacturer individually to confirm their specific closure dates, return-to-work schedules, and stock availability. This period is not the time for product testing — it's the time to stock up on proven winners.

Critical actions we take:

• 45+ days before CNY: Contact all active suppliers for closure schedules
• 30 days before: Identify backup suppliers and verify their quality/packaging matches originals
• Stock up winning products: Ensure sufficient inventory to cover 4-6 weeks
• Pause new product testing: Wait until factories are back at full capacity (mid-March)

If backup suppliers are needed, this is the window to order samples and verify quality before committing. Don't assume backup suppliers match your original — check everything from product quality to packaging presentation.

Action Items:

1. Place orders for winning products by January 25
2. Build 4-6 week buffer stock for bestsellers
3. Set customer expectations for February delays
4. Pause new product testing until mid-March
5. Verify backup supplier quality now if you haven't already

Sources: Maersk, FreightWaves, Freightos

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PostNord Nordic Updates: Simplified Parcel Collection

What Changed:

Effective January 1, 2026, PostNord introduced:

• Code-based pickup: Unique scannable codes replace ID/BankID
• App-based locker access: PostNord App works as digital key
• Consolidated terms: All parcel services now in one document

Denmark Note:

PostNord ended letter delivery December 30, 2025, after 400 years. Company now focuses exclusively on parcels.

Nordic E-commerce Trends:

• Swedish online sales grew +9% YoY in Q2 2025
• 63% of Swedes now shop online monthly
• 1 in 4 parcels in Sweden originates outside Europe
• 8 in 10 Nordic consumers factor sustainability into purchases

What This Means:

Nordic remains strong for dropshipping. The simplified pickup process removes friction for end customers. Our direct PostNord partnership ensures you benefit from these improvements automatically.

Sources: PostNord, nShift

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EU De Minimis Removal (Coming 2026)

Following the US, the European Commission plans to remove its €150 de minimis exemption in 2026. The UK is also reviewing its £135 threshold. This could fundamentally change EU dropshipping economics.

Implication: IOSS compliance becomes even more critical. Our IOSS-inclusive shipping provides a buffer, but expect cost increases.

Red Sea Routing Uncertainty

Carriers may resume Suez Canal transits in 2026. The Suez Canal Authority indicated potential resumption, though Maersk hasn't committed to a timeline. If routes normalize, expect:

• Faster Europe-Asia transit
• Potential rate decreases
• But continued geopolitical uncertainty

Amazon FBA Fee Increases (Jan 15, 2026)

Amazon increased fulfillment fees by an average of $0.08 per unit. Key changes:

• Small items above $50: +$0.51/unit
• Large items below $10: No change
• New granular pricing tiers for inbound placement
• Updated bulky/extra large fee structure

What this means: FBA sellers face higher costs, making alternative fulfillment more competitive. For dropshippers considering FBA for US market, factor in these increases.

Source: Supply Chain Dive

Container Overcapacity

Global fleet grew 7.3% YoY to 33.2M TEUs. The industry faces overcapacity with weaker demand forecast for 2026. This could pressure rates downward — good news for shipping costs, but carriers may respond with more blank sailings.

Logistics Cyber Threats

New trend: cyberattacks leading to physical cargo theft. Hackers targeting digital systems that control warehouses, yards, and ports. Monitor your tracking systems for anomalies.

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January 2026 marks the end of an era. The duty-free de minimis loophole that enabled the dropshipping boom of 2015-2024 is closed — not just in the US, but soon globally.

What this means practically:

1. Product margins matter more than ever. You can't make up for $200/package duty with volume. Focus on products with healthy margins that can absorb increased landed costs.

2. Compliance is no longer optional. Mexico's 250% penalties and US HTS requirements mean sloppy paperwork has real consequences. Partner with fulfillment providers who handle this properly.

3. Market diversification helps. Nordic markets with established IOSS frameworks are more predictable than markets in regulatory flux. Our Nordic routes remain stable and cost-effective.

4. CNY planning is critical. The early slowdown this year means January orders are already at risk. If you have winning products, stock up now.

The dropshippers who thrive in 2026 will be those who adapt to higher costs with better products, better margins, and better operations — not those hoping the old rules come back.

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How does the US de minimis removal affect my pricing?

For products shipped from China, add minimum $200 per package to your landed cost calculation. This applies to all postal shipments. If you're selling $30 products with 50% margins, the math no longer works for direct-from-China fulfillment. Consider US warehousing for high-volume SKUs or focus on higher-margin products.

Should I pause shipping to Mexico given the customs reforms?

No — Mexico remains a strong market with high demand. But the economics have fundamentally changed. Key considerations:

1. Direct AliExpress/Temu fulfillment is no longer viable — 19-33.5% duties plus compliance risk make margins impossible on low-ticket items
2. Documentation accuracy is critical — 300% penalties for errors mean one mistake wipes out months of profit
3. Use a compliant fulfillment partner — duty-inclusive shipping absorbs the complexity and ensures proper customs handling
4. Digital platform sellers: Watch April 2026 deadlines — new withholding and data requirements take effect

If you're currently shipping direct via standard courier, expect more rejected shipments, surprise duties passed to customers, and potential penalties. The market is still there, but how you serve it must change.

When should I place CNY orders to avoid delays?

Place orders by January 25 for February fulfillment. Factories begin slowing January 28-30, and full closures start around February 10. If you have winning products, stock up now. Express shipping options remain available but at premium rates.

Is Nordic still a good market for dropshipping?

Yes — Nordic is one of the most stable regions for dropshipping in 2026. E-commerce is growing, PostNord's new pickup system simplifies delivery, and IOSS compliance is well-established. Our 5-10 day delivery times and 97% success rates to Sweden remain strong.

Will de minimis removal affect the EU too?

The EU plans to remove its €150 de minimis exemption in 2026, though specific timing isn't confirmed. The UK is also reviewing its £135 threshold. Plan for this change — IOSS compliance and proper VAT handling become essential.

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This intelligence report is part of our monthly series. For breaking news alerts, follow our blog or contact your account manager.

Last updated: January 17, 2026