Cross Border Chronicles | January 29th, 2026

Happy New Year! Q4 closed stronger than anticipated, with BFCM delivering solid cross border growth despite ongoing tariff and regulatory uncertainty. A strong signal that international demand remains robust when friction is managed well.  Learn more →

TARIFF DEEP DIVE

Review the latest in tariffs sourced only from official government sources on our Trade and Tariff Hub. The following is a consolidated list, for more information checkout the hub.

US Supreme Court IEEPA tariffs: opinion day approaching (2/20?)  The Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the legality of IEEPA-based tariffs, with the biggest open question being whether invalidation would trigger refunds and if so, through judicial, legislative, or administrative paths. While no outcome is guaranteed, the decision could materially affect landed cost assumptions for US importers.  Learn more →

EU–Mercosur trade deal agreement— not yet live  The EU and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) announced a trade agreement framed around “fair trade over tariffs,” but ratification hurdles remain, including EU Parliament approval and legal challenges. This deal could reshape South American–EU market access once finalized.  Learn more → 

EU–India trade deal agreement — not yet live  A new EU–India trade agreement was announced, signaling significant strategic alignment between two major markets, but like Mercosur, it faces substantial EU Parliament review that may delay implementation by about a year.  Learn more → 

New US tariffs on Iran & Greenland? No. EU “retaliatory tariffs” are also no.  Despite widespread headlines and social chatter, no executive order, law, Federal Register notice, or CBP CSMS has been issued to enact new US tariffs tied to Iran or Greenland. Until that formal process occurs, these tariffs are not actual.  Learn more → 

Canada–US tariff rhetoric loses some sting  Recent analysis suggests tariff threats are increasingly interpreted as negotiation leverage rather than imminent policy action, reducing short-term market shock but contributing to long-term planning uncertainty for cross-border brands.  Learn more → https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps-tariffs/article/eric-ham-trumps-tariff-threat-loses-its-sting/

Join us at Manifest 2026 Global ecommerce in the age of AI

 🗓️ When: Tuesday, February 10 | 4:00–4:30 pm

 📍 Where: Venetian Ballroom D

Join industry leaders to explore how AI is reshaping trade, tariffs, and international logistics; powered by FlavorCloud and designed for cross border shippers looking to stay ahead of tech and regulatory shifts.

INDUSTRY NEWS

UPS plans to cut 30,000 jobs  UPS announced significant workforce reductions as it restructures its network and cost base, underscoring continued pressure across global parcel markets.  Learn more → 

Winter storms disrupt carrier networks  Severe winter weather caused delivery delays across major carriers, reinforcing the importance of diversified carrier strategies and proactive customer communication during severe weather events.  Learn more → 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Loop Sales Kickoff  We kicked off the year with the Loop team at their Sales Kickoff, celebrating strategic returns innovation. Loop’s deep expertise in returns and our shared vision for frictionless, compliant global returns highlight why this partnership is so valuable for modern brands navigating duties, tariffs, and regulatory complexity.  Learn more about Loop→

ASSETS (A look behind and ahead)

Global ecommerce shopping calendar 2026  A comprehensive planning tool highlighting key sales periods, cross-border milestones, and seasonal peaks to help merchants better prepare inventory, fulfillment, and tariffs strategy throughout the year.  Learn more → 

FlavorCloud 2025 year in review  A look back at the cross-border trends, market shifts, and major developments that shaped 2025 — from tariff actions to carrier dynamics to international consumer behavior.  Learn more → 

LEARN MORE

Designing AI for global trade  Explore how intelligent systems are being designed to tackle customs complexity, compliance workflows, and cross-border decision-making from checkout through delivery.  Learn more → 

REFER A MERCHANT

Know a brand ready to ship globally? Refer them to FlavorCloud and earn $1,000 when they start shipping. They’ll get $100 off too. It’s a win-win.

Refer a merchant today  →

Thanks for tuning in this month.

 Need more help? If you’re a current merchant, connect with your CSM or email support@flavorcloud.com. If you’re new to FlavorCloud and are interested in having us help you approach cross border shipping, you can connect with our team here.

 See you next month with more updates!