Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce

In this episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, dive into a game-changing shift for U.S. shoppers—their first-ever duty bills on Chinese-made goods after new tariffs were imposed.

They analyze real duty bills as they’re hitting U.S. shoppers for the first time, breaking down actual customs invoices to show how customers are alerted, the surprise fees they face, and the frustrating process of trying to pay these unexpected charges.

Find out how these surprise costs can frustrate customers, lead to rejected packages, and ultimately hurt your business. More importantly, Clint and Aaron share how ecommerce businesses can improve the cross-border buying experience, prevent customer dissatisfaction, and protect their bottom line.

 If you sell internationally, this is a must-watch to keep your customers happy and your business thriving.

 Trade policies are shifting fast—stay informed and subscribe for updates!

• Live doc will be updated as changes come in: http://zonos.com/docs/guides/2025-US-tariff-changes?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=new-us-tariffs-2025-day-4

• Follow us on X for real-time updates: @Zonos https://x.com/zonos

Find out how to automatically handle tariffs, duty, and compliance: https://zonos.com/landing-page/us-trump-tariffs-help?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=new-us-tariffs-2025-day-4

Listen now to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward.

[00:00:00] Opening Clip

[00:13:05] Introductions

[00:15:52] U.S. Customer’s Duty Surprise

[00:19:01] Breaking Down a Duty Invoice

[00:21:09] Why U.S. Shoppers Are Shocked

[00:21:58] How Sellers Can Fix It

[00:22:43] Wrong Duty Calculations

[00:24:53] New Experience & Postal Impact

[00:25:47] Aaron’s Temu Order Update

#Zonos #USTariffs #USChinaTariffs #Podcast #DecodingCrossBorder #CrossBorderEcommerce #DDP #CrossBorder #Ecommerce #InternationalShipping #InternationalSelling #DeMinimis #USDeMinimis #China #DutyFees #GlobalTrade #CustomerExperience

This episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast covers the latest updates on tariffs for Chinese-made goods, particularly the impact on international postal shipments. Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, break down the major changes, including halted shipments, new clearance requirements, and what businesses should expect moving forward.

Will USPS and Customs find a way to handle the sudden influx of duty-owed parcels? How are express carriers adapting? And what does this mean for de minimis shipments? Tune in for key insights on navigating these policy shifts.

 Topics Covered:

• Why international postal shipments from China were briefly halted
• The challenge of collecting duties and taxes through USPS
• New clearance requirements for Chinese-made goods
• How express carriers are handling these changes
• 
  

 Trade policies are shifting fast—stay informed and subscribe for updates!

• Live doc will be updated as changes come in: http://zonos.com/docs/guides/2025-US-tariff-changes?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=new-us-tariffs-2025
• Follow us on X for real-time updates: @Zonos https://x.com/zonos

Listen now to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward.

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:01:01] The latest U.S. tariff changes—what’s happening now

[00:01:42] Why are postal shipments from China facing new challenges?

[00:02:30] Breaking down the executive order and its rapid implementation

[00:03:45] Why the USPS isn’t equipped to handle these duties

[00:06:00] The problem with postal shipments and de minimis data

[00:08:50] USPS and Customs' plan to collect new China tariffs

[00:10:01] Update on Aaron’s shipments from China

[00:12:30] What this means for the future of cross-border trade

#ChinaTariffs #CrossBorderEcommerce #USPS #DeMinimis #TradePolicy #GlobalEcommerce #Logistics #InternationalShipping #USPS #PostalShipments

Yesterday, Canada & Mexico tariffs were the big story—but now, they’re paused. Today, China’s tariffs are active, and they’re the ones that really matter for ecommerce.

In this episode of Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, break down what’s changed in just 24 hours, why China’s tariffs are the real issue, and what businesses need to do next.

📌 Key Topics Covered:
Canada & Mexico tariffs paused—what that means for retailers
China’s tariffs are in effect—why this is the real game-changer
De minimis is gone—small shipments from China now face duties
How ecommerce sellers should adjust now to avoid disruptions
🔔 Trade policies are shifting fast—stay informed and subscribe for updates!

Live doc will be updated as changes come in: http://zonos.com/docs/guides/2025-US-tariff-changes?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=new-us-tariffs-2025

Follow us on X for real-time updates: @Zonos https://x.com/zonos

Listen now to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward.

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:00:47] The latest U.S. tariff changes—what’s happening now
[00:01:47] Why China’s tariffs are the biggest concern for ecommerce
[00:03:12] The impact on shipping and customs clearance
[00:06:10] Advice for retailers
[00:08:27] Will these changes be permanent?
[00:09:20] How China is retaliating
[00:1:58] What’s next

#zonos #usTariffs #usChinaTariffs #podcast #decodingCross-border #cross-borderEcommerce #DDP #crossborder #cross-border #ecommerce #internationalShipping #internationalSelling #deminimis #USdeminimis #China

New U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China were announced over the weekend, bringing major changes to cross-border trade. With de minimis thresholds effectively eliminated and steep tariffs in place, sellers worldwide—whether shipping to or from these countries—must prepare for higher costs, compliance challenges, and potential shipping delays….but that’s not all because these tariffs are not based on the country items are being shipped from, they are based on where the goods are made which means any country could be affected by these tariffs.

In this episode of Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce, hosts Clint Reid, Founder & CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Head of Global Trade Strategy, break down the latest policy changes, their impact on ecommerce, and what businesses can do to stay ahead. Plus, we’ll cover how Zonos helps automate duty and tax calculations, ensuring accurate landed costs at checkout.

In the hour after shooting this episode, Trump met with Mexico’s president and paused the tariffs on Mexico by 30 days.

 Stay informed on the latest changes to the tariffs:

• Live doc will be updated as changes come in: Read our doc
• Follow us on X for real-time updates: @Zonos

Listen now to stay ahead of these changes and keep your business moving forward.

[00:00:00] Opening clip

[00:03:17] Trump tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

[00:10:18] US consumer experience

[00:12:35] Retailers outside the US

[00:12:35] The value of shipping DDP

[00:16:08] What’s next

#zonos #usTariffs #canadaRetaliationTariffs #MexicoRetaliationTariffs #usMexicoCanada #China #podcast #decodingCross-border #cross-borderEcommerce #DDP #crossborder #cross-border #ecommerce #internationalShipping #internationalSelling #deminimis #USdeminimis

This special episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast dives into must-know tips for filling out a commercial invoice. Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, and guests revisit key insights from past episodes to help you get it righ and avoid costly mistakes.

From writing accurate item descriptions and using the right HS codes to handling declared values, discounts, and shipping costs, these nine expert tips will help you avoid common mistakes and streamline your shipping process. Plus, we’ll cover how automation can make commercial invoices even easier.

If you want to ship internationally with confidence, this episode is for you!

Listen now and take the guesswork out of commercial invoices.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:00:30] Introduction to commercial invoices
[00:01:23] What is a commercial invoice?
[00:04:25] Information needed about your items
[00:07:27] How to write good item descriptions
[00:09:10] What is an HS code?
[00:10:13] Common item description mistakes
[00:11:41] Tip for handling many items/line items
[00:15:06] How to avoid inflated values
[00:17:18] Declared value and gifts
[00:18:46] How to handle discounts
[00:25:01] How to handle shipping costs
[00:26:02] How to automate commercial invoices

#CommercialInvoice #HSCode #CustomsCompliance #ImportExport #InternationalTrade #ShippingMistakes#SellInternationally #EcommerceSuccess #Zonos #DecodingCrossBorderEcommerce #Ecommerce

Did you know your business could reclaim up to 99% of the duties you’ve paid on imports? Join hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and cohost Aaron Bezzant, Zonos' Head of Global Trade Strategy, along with drawback expert Greg Nielson, as they break down duty drawback—a government program designed to help businesses recover costs and turn their export process into hidden cash. Learn the key indicators to determine if your business or products qualify for duty drawback so you can take advantage of this opportunity and stop leaving money on the table.

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:08:05] Intros
[00:11:31] Breaking down duty drawbacks
[00:13:12] How many duty drawbacks go unclaimed?
[00:14:51] Process of duty drawbacks
[00:17:34] Section 301
[00:23:55] How to get a duty drawback?
[00:32:03] Duty drawback eligibility
[00:37:39] Final thoughts

Related links: 

Learn more about Zonos:
https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast 

Learn more about Alliance Drawback Services:
https://alliancechb.com/?utm_source=zonos&utm_medium=podcast

#zonos #podcast #crossborderecommerce #section301 #importduty #dutydrawback

This episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast compiles the top insights from past episodes to give you a crash course in the 8 most important cross-border topics.

Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, break down key concepts like landed cost, de minimis, HS codes, and automation, as well as tips to improve your shopper experience and navigate low-value tax schemes.

Whether you're new to international selling or looking to refine your strategy, this episode provides the clarity and expertise you need to simplify cross-border operations and grow your business globally.

Chapters:
[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:00:30] Introduction to cross-border topics
[00:02:01] What is landed cost?
[00:04:42] What is de minimis?
[00:07:23] What are cross-border low-value tax schemes?
[00:09:30] What are carrier and import fees?
[00:11:45] What is an HS code?
[00:13:29] What is a commercial invoice?
[00:14:23] Shopper experience: Prepaid duties and taxes
[00:16:49] How can automation help cross-border selling?

Hashtags:
#LandedCost #DeMinimis #CrossBorderEcommerce #HSCode #Automation #PrepaidDutyAndTax #EcommerceTips #GlobalTrade #InternationalShipping #DecodingEcommerce #DecodingCrossBorderEcommerce #Zonos #Ecommerce

This episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast dives into the opportunities for 3PLs looking to expand their international reach, as well as possible challenges they may face along the way. Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, are joined by 3PL experts Kermit McKinney and Nick McBride to discuss:

•Why merchants turn to 3PLs for cross-border growth.

•International shipping complexities that 3PLs need to solve.

•How 3PLs can easily implement a cross-border strategy to grow their offering and their business.

If you’re a 3PL or merchant looking to thrive in cross-border ecommerce, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

​Learn more about Zonos:
https://www.zonos.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video-link&utm_campaign=podcast

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:01:05] Intros
[00:02:30] 3PL challenges with international
[00:07:17] Merchant challenges with international
[00:14:38] 3PLs vs. carriers
[00:17:56] Cross-border selling “easy button”
[00:21:51] How Zonos can work with 3PLs
[00:29:11] 3PLs can benefit from a robust international program


#3PLSolutions #GlobalEcommerce #CrossBorderStrategy #EcommercePodcast #InternationalTrade #SupplyChainOptimization #Zonos #Podcast #crossBorderEcommerce #3PL

This episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast explores the role of 3PLs in ecommerce. Hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, are joined by Nick McBride and Kermit McKinney, experts in 3PL partnerships and fulfillment.

Together, they discuss the advantages of using a 3PL, factors to consider when choosing one, and how these services can help you scale and optimize your business. Learn how to evaluate 3PLs to ensure your business stays efficient and competitive.

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:07:00] Intros
[00:11:10] When a 3PL isn’t a good fit
[00:13:50] Benefits of using a 3PL
[00:16:34] When a 3PL is a good fit
[00:20:38] How 3PLs help with rates
[00:22:44] 3PL responsibility and cost structure
[00:30:28] How to choose a 3PL
[00:33:09] Closing thoughts

#zonos #podcast #EcommerceBusiness #FulfillmentSolutions #3PLSelection #LogisticsExpertise #CrossBorderTrade #3PL #ThirdPartyLogistics

In this special episode of the Decoding Cross-Border Ecommerce podcast, hosts Clint Reid, Founder and CEO of Zonos, and Aaron Bezzant, Zonos’ Head of Global Trade Strategy, take a fun approach to simplify cross-border ecommerce concepts by explaining them to kids! Joined by young guests, they simplify denied party screening and foreign exchange (FX) or currency conversion—all in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand, even a 9-year-old.

Using real-life scenarios and examples, they break down the essentials of global trade, making it easy to grasp for business owners, ecommerce professionals, or anyone curious about international selling and shipping.

[00:00:00] Opening clip
[00:00:10] Intro to Zonos kid #1
[00:01:09] Foreign exchange (FX) / currency exchange
[00:08:05] Intro to Zonos kid #2!
[00:10:17] Denied party screening

#zonos #podcast #decodingCross-border #cross-borderEcommerce #DDP #crossborder #cross-border #ecommerce #internationalShipping #internationalSelling

Related links: 

Watch the first visit from the Zonos kids: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyTj7y2eAFo