In this week’s retail news, the announcement of tariffs on key trading partners has caused global supply chain shifts. Along with the changes in strategies, several large companies, including Amazon and Walmart, have also made waves by introducing new shipping models and testing programs. UPS has also been in the headlines for its decision to reduce business with Amazon by more than 50% by 2026. Stay tuned for the latest commerce and retail updates in our weekly blog.
Commerce chronicles highlights:
- President Donald Trump announces tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China
- UPS reducing business with Amazon by more than 50% by 2026
- New ocean network positioned to reduce port calls and improve vessel capacity across key East-West trades
- Amazon is introducing “Easy Ship” for sellers in the Netherlands and Poland
- Walmart set to expand same-day pharmacy delivery services
- Amazon Prime Air announces plans to start initial drone flight tests in northeast England
- Walmart launches new “in-home” user test program
President Donald Trump announces tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China
Over the past few weeks, President Donald Trump has announced tariff measures affecting imports from Mexico, Canada and China. The possibility of a 10-25% tariff on goods from key trading partners has substantial implications for the ecommerce sector.
While it seems some of the tariffs will stand for the time being, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to immediately send 10,000 soldiers to her country’s border to prevent the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs in return for a pause on tariffs.
Since policies can change as parties continue conversations, this is an important developing story to watch closely in the coming months.
UPS reducing business with Amazon by more than 50% by 2026
Recently, UPS announced that it would cut its business with Amazon, its largest customer, by more than 50% by the second half of 2026. The company stated that shifting away from Amazon allows its team to focus on smaller, more profitable clients rather than simply increasing volume.
Even though Amazon accounted for 11.8% of UPS’s total revenue for the year, it’s not the company’s most profitable customer.
Ultimately, according to UPS CEO Carol Tomé, the decision to cut back on the Amazon partnership came down to the likelihood of diminishing returns in the coming years.
New ocean network positioned to reduce port calls and improve vessel capacity across key East-West trades
Maersk, a global container shipping and logistics provider, is launching a new ocean network called Gemini Cooperation. The long‑term operational collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd will create a streamlined, hub‑and‑spoke ocean freight network targeting over 90% schedule reliability by reducing port calls and sharing vessel capacity across key East‑West trades.
The company expects the transition period to last until late May, with June being the first full month in which the network has all 340 vessels sailing on Gemini schedules.
Amazon is introducing “Easy Ship” for sellers in the Netherlands and Poland
Sellers in the Netherlands and Poland eagerly await the introduction of Amazon’s “Easy Ship.” Amazon stated that the new shipping solution should help sellers in both countries ship their products faster and cost-effectively.
Polish sellers can schedule a shipment pickup from their fulfillment location for around €0.80, while Dutch sellers can drop off shipments at designated locations for around €2.33.
Easy Ship parcels will be selected for express delivery by InPost in Poland and DHL in the Netherlands, allowing customers to receive real-time shipment tracking information and free parcel insurance.
Walmart set to expand same-day pharmacy delivery services
While Walmart’s same-day pharmacy delivery service was available in only six states last October, the program has expanded across 49 states, allowing customers to purchase pharmacy, general merchandise and groceries in a single online order.
Currently, Walmart+ members will receive pharmacy delivery services for free, while non-members will pay a fee starting at $9.95 for standard delivery.
Amazon Prime Air announces plans to start initial drone flight tests in northeast England
In a recent announcement, Amazon Prime Air unveiled plans to start initial flight tests from the company’s fulfillment center in northeast England. Even though the organization had plans to launch drone deliveries in the UK in 2023, they’re now seeking permission from local authorities to build its flight operations at the site.
Once they have the proper authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly drones in the airspace, they’ll begin flight testing the devices.
Walmart launches new “in-home” user test program
Within the coming months, Walmart plans to roll out its in-home user test program, allowing verified customers to receive products at their homes, test them and provide feedback to suppliers. At the moment, the new in-home tests will be limited to Walmart’s Customer Spark community, an invitation-only group of shoppers that Walmart has used to conduct surveys with since 2018.
The program is also exclusively for suppliers who subscribe to Walmart Luminate, the company’s insight platform. This platform helps brands design surveys to collect customer feedback on new or existing products.
