Handle Trade Shifts and Rising Costs with Shopify Integration, Ad Consent Tools, and Payment Flexibility

FedEx has announced an increase in fuel surcharges to 17.75% for the week of May 19–25, 2025, up from 16.50% the previous week. This adjustment applies to U.S. domestic, export, and import services, reflecting the ongoing rise in jet fuel prices. The surcharge is determined based on the weekly average price of jet fuel, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This increase is expected to impact shipping costs for businesses relying on FedEx services during this period.
Source: FedEx, Published on: May 19, 2025

Shopify Inc. is set to join the Nasdaq-100 Index on May 19, 2025, replacing MongoDB, Inc. This inclusion reflects Shopify's significant growth and its position as a leading global commerce company. Being part of the Nasdaq-100 Index is expected to enhance Shopify's visibility among investors and may lead to increased institutional investment. The move underscores the company's strong performance and its role in shaping the future of e-commerce.
Source: Nasdaq, Published on: May 19, 2025

On May 18, 2025, China announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties of up to 74.9% on imports of polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymers from the United States, European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. POM copolymers are engineering plastics used in various applications, including automotive parts and medical devices. The decision follows a year-long investigation initiated in May 2024, after the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese goods. The duties vary by country, with U.S. imports facing the highest rate. This move is expected to impact global supply chains and may lead to increased costs for manufacturers relying on these materials.
Source: Reuters, Published on: May 18, 2025

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on May 18, 2025, that the United States will impose maximum tariffs on countries that fail to negotiate trade deals in good faith. This policy aims to pressure nations into fair trade agreements and could lead to significant tariff increases for non-compliant countries. The announcement signals a more aggressive stance in U.S. trade negotiations and may result in heightened tensions with certain trading partners.
Source: Financial Times, Published on: May 18, 2025

Effective May 16, 2025, Google AdSense has deprecated the account-level control for serving non-personalized ads in European settings. Publishers are now encouraged to use the IAB TCF framework for collecting and communicating users' consent decisions in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland. This change requires publishers to implement consent management platforms (CMPs) to comply with regional privacy regulations, potentially affecting ad revenue and user experience.
Source: Google AdSense Help, Published on: May 18, 2025

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) for shipments from all Far East ports to North Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, effective June 1, 2025. The rate adjustments are attributed to rising operational costs and market demand fluctuations. This increase is expected to impact shipping expenses for businesses importing goods from Asia to Europe.
Source: SDI Logistics, Published on: May 18, 2025

Shopify has partnered with Manhattan Associates to integrate Manhattan's Active Omni order management system with Shopify's commerce platform. This collaboration aims to provide enterprise retailers with advanced order management capabilities, including real-time inventory visibility and optimized fulfillment processes. The integration is expected to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations for large-scale e-commerce businesses.
Source: Shopify, Published on: May 17, 2025

PayPal has introduced its Complete Payments solution for businesses in Singapore, offering a full-stack payment processing platform. The service enables merchants to accept payments in over 200 markets and supports multi-currency transactions through a single integration. This launch aims to support Singapore's growing e-commerce sector by providing streamlined payment solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Source: The Paypers, Published on: May 16, 2025

On May 17, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly urged Walmart to absorb the costs associated with new tariffs rather than passing them on to consumers. Walmart had indicated that the tariffs could lead to price increases on various products. Trump's comments highlight the ongoing debate over the impact of trade policies on consumer prices and corporate responsibilities.
Source: Reuters, Published on: May 18, 2025

Monitor Shipping Costs: Businesses should closely monitor changes in fuel surcharges and shipping rates, adjusting their logistics strategies accordingly to mitigate increased costs.
Stay Informed on Trade Policies: Companies engaged in international trade should stay updated on tariff developments and consider diversifying their supply chains to reduce exposure to trade-related risks.
Ensure Compliance with Ad Regulations: Publishers and advertisers operating in Europe must ensure compliance with updated Google AdSense policies by implementing appropriate consent management solutions.
Leverage New Payment Solutions: Singapore-based businesses can benefit from PayPal's Complete Payments solution to streamline their payment processes and expand their international reach.
Optimize Advertising Strategies: Advertisers should utilize the new device targeting features in Google Ads to enhance campaign performance and achieve better ROI.

The recent developments in shipping costs, trade policies, and digital advertising underscore the importance of agility and adaptability for businesses operating in the global e-commerce landscape. By staying informed and proactively adjusting strategies, companies can navigate these changes effectively and maintain competitive advantages.

Cross-Border Pricing Under Pressure: Navigate Tariffs, Fuel Surcharges, and EU Competition