E-commerce volumes are facing a 'seismic shock' of the United States' global tariffs, according to the latest update from Xeneta, reports Mumbai's Stat Trade Times.

"No one is benefitting from this situation because it's impossible to plan effectively against a moving target," said Xeneta, a Norwegian company specialising in freight rate benchmarking and market intelligence for shipping and logistics.

"The general cargo market is also re-evaluating its future as shippers, forwarders, airlines and consumers come to terms with the economic reality of new import taxes and a potential international trade war."

US President Donald Trump confirmed the elimination of duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, starting May 2.

"All relevant postal items valued at or under US$800 previously qualifying for the de minimis exemption will become subject to a duty rate of either 30 per cent of their value or $25 per item (increasing to $50 per item after June 1)."

The announcement was one of many as President Trump imposed sweeping global import taxes on goods into the United States from April 9, 2025, the update added.

"In my 30 years working in the air freight industry, I cannot remember any other unilateral trade policy decision with the potential to have such a profound impact on the market at a global level," said Xeneta air cargo chief Niall van de Wouw.

"E-commerce has been the main driver behind air cargo demand. If you suddenly and dramatically remove the oxygen from that demand, it will cause a seismic shock to the market."