The global ecommerce market is growing, but with opportunity comes complexity—especially when it comes to international shipping. In 2025, shifting regulations, climate-related disruptions, and changing carrier strategies are transforming how ecommerce businesses manage cross-border shipping and supply chain operations.

For online retailers, staying ahead of these trends is crucial—not just to control costs, but to deliver a seamless online shopping experience for more consumers across the globe.

In this article, we explore the key international shipping services trends shaping the ecommerce industry in 2025, and share actionable insights to help your online business adapt, stay competitive, and support continued global growth.

Carriers Are Scaling Back International Shipping Services on Risky Routes

The Trend:

Some major carriers are scaling back international shipping services to regions facing heightened risk, tighter regulations, and costly import/export friction. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, tariff disputes, and evolving trade alliances are reshaping the ecommerce landscape and disrupting cross-border shipping operations.

For example, in early 2025, select carriers suspended inbound shipments from Southeast Asia due to increased customs forms scrutiny and escalating tariffs—signaling broader challenges for ecommerce stores reliant on global markets.

What It Means for Ecommerce:

Your previously reliable international shipping lane may no longer be accessible—or may now come with longer delivery times, higher costs, and reduced services. This shift directly impacts ecommerce platforms, and online businesses that depend on fast, affordable cross-border fulfillment to serve online shoppers and meet the expectations of many customers.

How to Adapt:

• Monitor carrier updates monthly to make more informed decisions and adjust routes as needed.
• Use multi-carrier platforms like VESYL to reroute packages, maintain delivery speed, and protect your customer experience.
• Diversify your carrier network to improve resilience and reduce disruptions to your supply chain.
• Review inventory and adjust product offerings based on affected regions.
• Explore regional alternatives to support ongoing global growth.

2. De Minimis Threshold Changes Are Impacting Cross-Border Orders

The Trend:

De minimis thresholds, the minimum value under which goods can enter a country duty-free, are tightening, impacting international shipping services and reshaping the ecommerce landscape.

In the U.S., discussions are heating up around reducing the current $800 de minimis limit. Meanwhile, some countries have already enforced stricter tax collection policies at lower thresholds, affecting cross-border online shopping and increasing the complexity of customs documents and shipping procedures.

What It Means for Ecommerce:

For ecommerce stores, these changes can lead to online shoppers encountering unexpected duties and taxes at checkout, causing abandoned carts, disrupted customer journeys, and negative customer experiences.

How to Adapt:

• Clearly communicate whether duties and taxes are included in the total cost at checkout to reduce surprises.
• Offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) options to simplify the payment process for customers.
• Leverage shipping software like VESYL to simplify customs and duties forms, and provide full shipment transparency.
• Tailor products and shipping strategies based on destination-specific regulations to protect your bottom line and meet the expectations of consumers.

3. Green Shipping Initiatives Are Becoming Mandatory for Online Stores

The Trend:

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in ecommerce, it's becoming a requirement. In regions like the EU, carbon emission disclosures for cross-border shipments are now required for cross-border shipments. Many carriers are rolling out greener delivery methods, while some governments are offering incentives to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain.

For ecommerce businesses, adapting to these policies is essential as eco-conscious consumers reshape the global commerce conversation. As the ecommerce market experiences significant growth, the pressure to integrate sustainable practices into shipping and supply chain management continues to increase.

What It Means for Ecommerce:

Brands may incur added costs, fines, or regulatory pushback for non-compliant packaging or unsustainable shipping practices. However, green initiatives also present a competitive opportunity to enhance the customer experience, and align with the values of Gen Z and more consumers who prefer to shop online with brands that care about the planet.

Sustainability can become a powerful differentiator in a crowded ecommerce space, especially when clearly communicated across your online store, and checkout pages.

How to Adapt:

• Audit your packaging for recyclability, minimal waste, and eco-friendly materials.
• Choose carriers offering carbon-neutral options for both domestic and international shipping.
• Prominently feature green shipping options on your ecommerce platform, product detail pages, and throughout the shopping experience to influence purchasing decisions.
• Stay up to date on compliance requirements across regions like Canada, Australia, and South and North America, especially when managing customs documentation.

4. Regional Warehousing Is Accelerating for Faster Cross-Border Fulfillment

The Trend:

To reduce shipping costs and speed up delivery, more ecommerce businesses are adopting regional warehousing strategies. By storing inventory closer to international shoppers, retailers can improve international shipping services while reducing shipping costs, minimizing customs delays.

This shift supports the growing demands of the ecommerce market, where fast, affordable shipment options are now expected by customers who shop online globally.

What It Means for Ecommerce:

If your store is fulfilling all international orders from a single location, you’re likely facing higher costs, longer transit times, and reduced flexibility in your supply chain. This setup can also hurt the customer experience, especially for buyers who prioritize speed and transparency when making a purchase.

How to Adapt:

• Partner with 3PLs or fulfillment providers that offer strategically located warehouses to serve key international regions.
• Use data-driven demand forecasting to allocate inventory levels abroad and meet online sales demand efficiently.
• Work with software like VESYL to streamline international shipping, customs forms, and cross-border fulfillment services.

5. AI-Driven Rate Shopping Is the New Norm In Online Retail

The Trend:

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way ecommerce businesses approach shipping. Modern, AI-powered tools are optimizing international shipping in real time—factoring in customs documentation, transit times, carrier fees and geopolitical risks. These emerging technologies are transforming the ecommerce landscape, helping brands operate more efficiently in a complex global market.

What It Means for Ecommerce:

Relying on static shipping rules or sticking to a single carrier is no longer viable. Online shoppers expect fast, affordable delivery, and many customers will abandon carts if better options aren’t available. As international shipping grows more complex, brands must make informed decisions—not just fast ones.

How to Adapt:

• Use intelligent shipping software like VESYL, which leverages real-time data to select the best carriers and routes for each shipment.
• Continuously A/B test regional shipping strategies to optimize for cost, delivery time, and shopping experience.
• Align rate shopping strategies with your supply chain, inventory, and evolving purchasing triggers of global shoppers.

Final Thoughts: International Shipping in 2025's Ecommerce Market

As global ecommerce grows, the logistics behind it are evolving rapidly. Carrier pullbacks, changing tax rules, sustainability mandates, and shifting consumer expectations all require an increasingly proactive approach.

By staying informed and using advanced tools like VESYL, ecommerce brands can navigate these changes with confidence—and turn global complexity into their competitive advantage.

Ready to future-proof your cross-border shipping strategy? Let’s talk.

With an estimated 356 billion packages shipped worldwide in 2023, it’s no surprise that with this increase in online shopping, there has also been a rise in damaged, lost and stolen packages. However, it’s not the be all end all as there are a variety of steps brands can take to protect their packages and ensure they reach their customers in one piece. We’ve packaged these up with some real-life examples for you below.

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Common Challenges with Shipping Damages

Shipping damages are a challenge for e-commerce businesses, manifesting in various forms such as physical damage to products, broken seals, and moisture-related issues. These damages can arise from inadequate packaging, mishandling during transit, or environmental factors. It all sounds straightforward however, when it comes to deciphering who is liable for the damages, that is when the headache can start. For damages associated with insufficient packaging, it often falls on the business, leading to financial losses, increased return rates, and the necessity for refunds or replacements. For damages due to mishandling, the liability can fall into the carriers hands, but it’s important to note this can be timely and not always successful. Moreover, shipping damages can severely impact a brand’s reputation, reducing customer trust and satisfaction. Frequent occurrences of damaged goods not only escalate operational costs but also diminish customer loyalty, making it crucial for businesses to adopt the tips outlined below.

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Tips for Brands to Protect Packages and Minimize Damage

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Invest in High-Quality Packaging Materials

There’s many areas where businesses cut costs, however, effective and robust packaging should not be one of them. Brands should invest in high-quality materials that provide adequate protection. This includes:

• Sturdy Boxes: Use corrugated cardboard boxes that are correctly sized for the items being shipped. Oversized boxes can lead to shifting and damage, while undersized boxes may burst open.
• Protective Padding: Incorporate bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or air pillows to cushion products and absorb shocks.
• Durable Tape: Secure boxes with strong, adhesive tape designed for shipping. Reinforce edges and seams to prevent accidental openings.

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Properly Cushion and Pack Items

Effective cushioning and packing techniques are crucial to preventing damage. Follow these steps to ensure your products are well-protected:

• Wrap Each Item Individually: For fragile or breakable items, wrap each piece separately with bubble wrap, foam sheets or tissue paper.
• Fill Void Spaces: Use packing materials to fill any empty spaces in the box, preventing movement during transit.
• Double-Boxing: For highly fragile items, consider double-boxing. Place the item in a smaller box with padding, then place that box inside a larger, well-cushioned box.

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Label Packages Correctly

Clear and accurate labeling can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Ensure your packages are labeled with the following information:

• Fragile Stickers: Use “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” stickers for delicate items.
• Up Arrows: Indicate the correct orientation of the package with “This Side Up” arrows.
• Shipping Information: Clearly display the recipient’s address and contact information. Include a return address as well.

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Choose Reliable Shipping Partners

The choice of a shipping carrier can influence the safety of your packages. Choose carriers known for their reliability and careful handling of parcels in addition to:

• Insurance: Opt for shipping insurance to cover the cost of potential damages.
• Tracking: Use carriers that provide tracking information to monitor the shipment’s progress and address issues promptly.

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Leverage Package Protection

Leveraging extra package protection allows brands to protect their revenue and reduce the load for the CX team. Customers are able to add or remove the package protection from their cart at the checkout. If purchased and a package is stolen, lost or damaged in transit, the customer can contact the protection provider directly who will process the claim and issue a reorder or refund, without any extra cost to the brand or customer. This not only protects revenue, but also enhances customer trust and confidence, knowing if any issues arise, it will be resolved quickly and hassle-free.

For example, our friends over at Corso have a simple to use claims portal for customers and pride themselves on resolving shipping issues within 24 hours. 

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Collect and Analyze Data

It’s tough to improve if you’re not measuring. By gathering data on damages such as certain items are damaged more than others or certain package sizes are being frequently damaged, brands can effectively adjust packaging methods. Not to mention, for new products or packaging, you can conduct test runs or even drop tests in house, to ensure they will reach your customer in one piece. 

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In Summary

Securing shipments and minimizing damage requires attention to detail, investment in quality materials, and collaboration with reliable shipping carriers. By implementing these strategies above, brands can enhance customer satisfaction, reduce financial losses, and build a reputation for reliability and care. Not to mention, the key to successful shipping lies in the preparation and continuous improvement of your packaging and shipping practices.

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Starting July 1st, 2024, USPS is implementing new shipping rates for various services and packages. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing:

USPS Shipping Changes: What You Need to Know

Ground Advantage

• Price Increases for Packages Over 1 Pound: Rates will rise by up to $2.11, particularly affecting packages in the 1-5 pound range.
• Price Increases for Packages Under 1 Pound: Rates will increase by up to 33 cents for zones 6-8.
• Cubic Pricing: Ground Advantage Cubic rates are increasing by up to $1.67.

Priority Mail

• Weight-Based Rates: Prices will increase by up to $3.10.
• Cubic Rates: Expect an increase of up to $2.97.
• Flat Rate Prices: These will go up by as much as $1.18.

Discount Adjustments

• The maximum discounts available for USPS compared to Retail Pricing will drop from 89% to 88%.

Additional Changes Effective July 14th

• Media Mail Rates: These will increase by up to 56 cents.
• Signature Confirmation: The cost is going up by 20 cents, bringing the total to $3.70.

These changes are universal across all platforms where you can buy postage online.

Best-In-Class Rates with VESYL

‍Despite these increases, VESYL continues to offer the best-in-class shipping rates through its partnership with USPS and other carriers. Our goal is to streamline your shipping operations, providing discounted rates for a silky smooth fulfillment process.

Navigating the Changes

By staying ahead, you can make the best informed decisions for your shipping needs. Utilize VESYL’s simple rate shopping feature to compare rates and make informed decisions on the best options for your shipping needs, whether you're shipping 1 or 1000's of packages a day.

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Want to learn more about VESYL's smooth shipping software? Book a demo with us or read more.