Cross-border Daily Briefing 2026-08-18

📋 Cross-border Seller Daily | 2026-08-18

⏰ 30-Second Overview

• •TikTok search ads officially launched, some sellers' conversion rates increased 6x, test as soon as possible this week.
• •TikTok Shop US July spending surpassed Target, market share grew 66.7% year over year, US has become a must-contend channel.
• •The US indefinitely suspended non-postal de minimis, EU tariff new policy took effect, customs costs and time risks both rise.
• •US tariffs surged 104%, US sellers need to immediately recalculate costs and pricing to avoid profits being squeezed by competitors lowering prices.
• •Shopee Singapore will adjust commission rates on August 28, assess profit margins in advance.

🔴 Key Focus

TikTok launches search ads for the first time, seller conversion rates surge 6x

TikTok has officially launched search ads; sellers can place ads in search results, and some sellers have already seen conversion rates increase 6x. TikTok sellers are advised to test this feature with a small budget within this week, seize early traffic dividends, and monitor search term reports to optimize campaigns.

TikTok Shop US July spending surpasses Target and other traditional retailers, market share grows 66.7% year over year

TikTok Shop US July spending has surpassed Target, and market share grew 66.7% year over year, showing the US is still on a high-growth trajectory. Sellers are advised to reassess US budget allocation, increase product selection and content investment in TikTok Shop, and balance fully managed and self-operated models.

EU July 1 tariff new policy takes effect, multiple cross-border logistics companies issue major warnings

The EU's new policies including VAT on low-value goods have taken effect, and multiple logistics companies warn of rising customs clearance costs and delays. It is advised to immediately verify tax compliance for EU orders, adjust pricing, and prepare IOSS/OSS compliance solutions to avoid customs obstacles.

⏰ Effective now

US indefinitely suspends non-postal de minimis

US CBP has indefinitely suspended administrative exemptions for packages under $800 via non-postal channels; all such goods must undergo formal or informal customs entry. Logistics costs and transit times will increase; it is advised to immediately switch to postal channels or prepare customs documents in advance.

⏰ Effective now

Tariffs surge 104%, competitors cut prices! 3 self-rescue paths for US sellers

US tariffs have surged 104%, and some competitors are cutting prices, squeezing profits. It is advised to immediately assess tariff impacts and pursue three parallel paths: optimize supply chain, adjust pricing, and open new channels to avoid forced price cuts.

⏰ Act now

Shopee Singapore will adjust commission rates on August 28

Shopee Singapore will adjust commission rates on August 28, and costs will rise. It is advised to immediately review the new rate card, assess profit margins, adjust pricing, or optimize product structure.

⏰ Effective August 28

📌 Worth Noting

Platform Updates

• •Shopee Indonesia local products have sold 4 billion units cumulatively; launches SME support program — Pay attention to support resources, improve localized operations (AMZ123)
• •Amazon Alexa shopping agent upgraded, conversational ordering reshapes traffic entry — Optimize product information to adapt to voice recommendations (卖家之家)
• •TikTok Shop upgrades fully managed quality merchant program — Layout industrial belts and top US merchants, can seek resources (AMZ123)
• •Ozon Global opens Uzbekistan market to Chinese sellers — New Central Asia channel, can test on a small scale (雨果跨境)
• •TEMU sellers all products UK and EU authorized representative mandatory — Compliance threshold raised, prepare authorized representatives as soon as possible (雨果跨境)

Compliance & Regulations

• •US plans to restrict de minimis for specific goods and require HTSUS classification — If implemented, prepare 10-digit HTSUS codes in advance (Federal Register)
• •Russia abolishes old certificates of conformity from September 1 — Multiple categories need compliance adjustments to avoid customs risks (AMZ123)
• •US Department of Commerce initiates administrative reviews of antidumping and countervailing duties — Relevant importers should monitor rate adjustments (Federal Register)
• •CBP modifies Section 321 data pilot and extends it to August 2025 — De minimis declaration requirements change, prepare in advance (Federal Register)

Logistics & Warehousing

• •Manila flooding in the Philippines affects Luzon warehousing and COD payments — Communicate with buyers in advance, monitor payment delays (AMZ123)
• •Wildberries' largest logistics warehouse destroyed by drone attack — Russian logistics risks rise, stock across multiple platforms to diversify risk (AMZ123)
• •7 of Wildberries' top 10 logistics centers shut down — Russian market logistics timeliness deteriorates, be cautious with delivery promises (AMZ123)

Market Trends

• •61% of European e-commerce GMV comes from platforms; multi-platform operations drive AI demand forecasting — Adopt multi-platform layout and use AI to optimize product selection and inventory (AMZ123)
• •European consumers prefer Temu, Shein, and AliExpress — Chinese overseas platforms' competitiveness grows, pay attention to traffic dividends (AMZ123)
• •US July e-commerce sales down 2.2% month-over-month — Prime Day overdrew demand, note changes in major promotion rhythm (卖家之家)
• •Every $1 of TikTok Shop GMV drives $6.7 in off-platform revenue