Customs duties and e-commerce: the new challenge for European companies

In recent months, trade tensions between the United States and the European Union have returned to the forefront, with significant repercussions for European companies exporting abroad. The new global context, marked by the return of protectionist policies by the U.S., has reignited the debate on customs duties, particularly on products such as steel, aluminum, and industrial goods.

After a period of relative calm, 2025 marked a turning point: the U.S. administration announced the reintroduction of tariffs on European metals, reigniting the trade conflict. The European Union responded with a retaliatory measure worth €26 billion, imposing tariffs on U.S. products and affecting key sectors of the economy.

At the beginning of April 2025, the European Commission proposed a “zero-for-zero” agreement to mutually abolish customs duties on industrial goods. However, Washington has not yet provided an official response, leaving companies and operators in a state of considerable uncertainty.

How customs duties work

Customs duties are taxes applied to goods that cross international borders. Their amount varies depending on:

• The value of the goods;
• The customs code (HS code);
• The bilateral agreements in force between the countries involved.

It is crucial for companies, especially those operating through e-commerce, to stay up to date with regulatory changes in order to avoid delays, penalties, or unexpected additional costs.

The consequences for European e-commerce

Although digital commerce may seem “intangible,” every online order involves the physical shipment of a product. Customs duties directly impact:

• The final cost of products;
• Delivery times;
• Customer satisfaction.

For e-commerce operators in Europe, this means rethinking pricing, delivery systems, and customer service strategies. An increase in tariffs can reduce competitiveness, pushing consumers toward more affordable and faster alternatives.

Moreover, increased customs checks can lead to delays and temporary hold-ups, generating greater uncertainty — critical factors for e-commerce, where speed is essential to the purchasing experience.

Marketplaces and dropshipping: the most exposed

Those operating under dropshipping models or selling through global marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy are among the most affected. These business models rely on international shipments with already tight margins: the introduction or increase of tariffs can make them unviable.

Logistical challenges for e-commerce businesses

• Unexpected customs clearance costs;
• Packages held or returned;
• Increased complexity in managing returns.

How to prepare: strategies to address uncertainty

To mitigate the impact of new trade measures, companies must adopt preventive and flexible strategies:

• Ongoing regulatory monitoring: Follow official sources such as government bodies and Chambers of Commerce to anticipate tariff changes and adapt operations accordingly.
• Supply chain review: Investing in warehouses within the EU or in logistics partners located in countries with favorable agreements can reduce exposure to tariffs. Logistics triangulation is also an effective option to optimize shipments and costs.
• Transparent communication with customers: Informing customers in advance about potential changes in costs or delivery times helps maintain trust and loyalty, preventing complaints or negative reviews.

Facing change with the right support

In such a dynamic environment, having expert partners is essential. Mail Boxes Etc. supports companies, professionals, and e-commerce operators with:

• Personalized customs consulting;
• Full management of international shipping procedures;
• Logistics optimization according to new regulatory scenarios.

Thanks to its extensive network of Centers and consolidated market experience, Mail Boxes Etc. is the ideal partner to overcome customs and logistics challenges.