Rewriting the Rules of International Trade: An MBE Analysis of Europe and the U.S.

International trade is at a critical moment, marked by a redefinition driven by inflation, digitalization, and the pursuit of greater industrial sovereignty. These factors have led governments and multilateral organizations to make decisions affecting businesses of various sizes around the world.

In Europe, the growth of cross-border e-commerce has increased the influx of small packages, primarily from Asia, raising concerns in Brussels. The European Commission has proposed eliminating the tariff exemption for packages valued under €150, which would significantly impact platforms like Shein and Temu. In 2024, Europe received about 4.6 billion of these packages, with 91% coming from China. Market saturation poses risks in terms of quality, safety, and unfair competition against small and medium-sized European businesses.

With this initiative, the European Union aims to balance the market for local sellers, strengthen customs controls, and enhance consumer protection. Although this measure is expected to take effect in 2028, current political pressure could accelerate its implementation.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the government has revived a protectionist approach by introducing a new 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, set to take effect on April 2. This policy, a legacy of the Trump administration, aims to reduce foreign dependence and revitalize the domestic automotive industry, affecting 7.3 million vehicles, 11% of which come from Europe. This shift will impact not only major manufacturers but could also harm Spanish companies integrated into the global supply chain, facing reductions in orders or increases in logistics costs.

The decisions of these economic blocs will have a domino effect on the business fabric, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that may encounter greater difficulties accessing international markets and an increase in export costs.

In this context, logistics emerges as a fundamental strategic tool. Solutions like those offered by Mail Boxes Etc., focused on customs management and documentation advice, are crucial for companies looking to maintain their competitiveness. The ability to anticipate and provide expert support becomes vital to transforming uncertainty into opportunities in the coming years, making it essential to have a partner that combines global reach with deep local knowledge to navigate today’s complex landscape of international trade.