Tariffs are rising — but so is the opportunity to rethink your ecommerce fulfillment strategy.
For ecommerce brands, the latest changes in U.S. import tariffs are driving up landed costs and tightening profit margins. As Q4 and peak season get closer, it's time to check if your current logistics model still works. You may need to switch to a stronger solution.
New tariffs are raising the total cost of imports, especially for high-volume products.
Many ecommerce companies are still operating without a clear strategy to offset these increases, risking delays and shrinking margins.
Speed and agility are now critical — brands can’t afford reactive logistics in today’s market.
Leading ecommerce brands are turning volatility into opportunity by adopting more flexible, cost-efficient logistics strategies. These include:
Nearshoring fulfillment to Mexico can help brands. They can use facilities in Tijuana or other important border areas. This allows for delivery in 1 to 3 days across the U.S. This also helps reduce warehousing and labor costs.
Tax optimization with Section 321 fulfillment: This U.S. Customs program lets qualifying ecommerce shipments enter duty-free. This applies to shipments valued under $800 per buyer each day. A great chance exists for brands that do not source from China or Hong Kong.
IMMEX and bonded warehouse solutions help ecommerce companies. These companies import goods into Mexico to re-export them to the U.S. They can enjoy lower duties, delayed taxes, and better inventory control.
Full tech integration: Modern ecommerce fulfillment solutions connect your WMS, ERP, and marketplace platforms. This allows for real-time visibility and automated workflows.
The new tariff environment is accelerating a trend that was already reshaping ecommerce logistics. Fulfillment is no longer a back-end operation — it’s a core part of a brand’s strategy. Fast, affordable, and transparent fulfillment is now expected by both consumers and B2B partners. That’s why many brands are reassessing their 3PL partnerships and asking: Are we future-proof?
Working with a partner that has both Mexican and U.S. operations in one place helps your team. It allows you to respond to market changes quickly. You can also simplify inventory management and lower total costs. All of this can be done without hurting customer experience.
At Lateral Fulfillment, we’ve helped ecommerce brands implement cross-border strategies that deliver:
Up to 30% savings in fulfillment costs
Faster recovery after holidays or disruptions
Improved cash flow from lower duties, consolidated inventory, and smarter cost structures
If your ecommerce brand qualifies, Section 321 fulfillment is a strong tool. It helps reduce the impact of new tariffs. You can ship directly to U.S. consumers from Mexico without paying import duties. This is true as long as each order is below $800.
With nearshoring and cross-border infrastructure, this strategy addresses today’s challenges and fosters tomorrow’s growth.
If you are thinking about your ecommerce fulfillment model, we can help. We can also help you see if Section 321 fulfillment is right for you.
Book a 15-minute strategy session — no pressure, just practical insights.