International Trade News
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May 2026
We would like to inform you of an upcoming adjustment to the U.S. Disbursement Fee, effective May 11, 2026. For applicable shipments, the minimum U.S. disbursement fee will increase from $14 to $17. This update applies only to:
- Customers shipping into the US
- EMEA shippers using the Export Free Domicile (EFD) billing term
No other EMEA customers or billing terms are impacted by this change.
The disbursement fee applies when customs duties, taxes, or other government charges are advanced on behalf of the payer and is based on the intrinsic value of the shipment and the amount advanced.
EU Moves to Create Fairer Cross-Border Competition
The European Union is introducing tighter scrutiny on low-value imports entering the region, particularly from overseas marketplaces. The aim is to create a more balanced trading environment for established retailers and improve transparency across international commerce.
Why it matters:
For established UK exporters, stronger compliance standards could help level the playing field and increase confidence in cross-border trading across Europe.
source: Europa.eu
TikTok Shop Continues International Expansion
TikTok continues investing in international eCommerce growth, expanding merchant onboarding and fulfilment support across multiple regions. Social commerce is becoming an increasingly valuable channel for brands looking to reach global audiences in new ways.
Why it matters:
41% of social shoppers buy from retailers in other countries at least once a month and 82% of global shoppers say viral trends and social buzz influence their buying decisions, according to DHL’s eCommerce Trends Report 2025. Retailers exploring international growth opportunities should continue monitoring social commerce as consumers increasingly discover and purchase products through content-led platforms.
International Public Holidays Remain Key for Export Planning
Successful international delivery strategies rely heavily on forward planning, especially around regional public holidays that can affect customs operations, carrier networks and delivery times.
GFS has published an updated guide highlighting upcoming international public holidays and important operational considerations for exporters shipping globally.
Why it matters:
Awareness of regional trading calendars helps retailers maintain delivery performance, communicate pro-actively with customers and reduce avoidable disruption during busy trading periods.
Retailers Who Continue Investing in Better Delivery Experiences…
As mentioned at the outset, this month we’re focusing on the positives shaping international eCommerce, and one of the clearest trends is the continued investment in smarter, more flexible delivery strategies.
81% of consumers say they will abandon their purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. Just as critically, 79% will leave if the return process doesn’t match their expectations.
Retailers who recognise the value of multi-carrier delivery strategies to improve resilience, flexibility and international reach are the ones who’ll bypass the complexities of the changing trade dynamics. Working with a multi-carrier partner can help businesses simplify operational complexity, optimise costs and maintain service performance across multiple markets.
What exporters should focus on now:
Delivery transparency | Localised international checkout experiences | Clear duties and taxes communication | Flexible carrier strategies | Pro-active Peak and holiday planning