Overview

Helium 10’s most recent Buzz episode, recorded on December 12, 2024, highlighted three developments that could reshape cross‑border selling: Chinese merchants encountering new operational hurdles on Amazon and Temu, TikTok Shop opening storefronts in two additional regions, and Amazon preparing to launch a marketplace in a previously untapped country. Sellers need to watch these shifts because they affect inventory allocation, advertising budgets, and the timing of market‑entry plans.

Key Points

• Chinese sellers hit fulfillment snags — A vendor based in Guangzhou reported that Amazon’s inbound centers are now holding shipments for up to 72 hours and charging fulfillment fees that are 15 % higher than last quarter, prompting many to explore alternative logistics routes.
• Temu tightens quality controls — Sellers who rely on Temu’s low‑price model say the platform’s new vetting process, which requires additional safety certificates, has shaved an average of three days off their profit margins.
• TikTok Shop expands to two markets — The short‑form video commerce platform added storefront capability in Brazil and Poland, enabling a Seoul‑based accessories brand to reach shoppers there without building a separate e‑commerce site.
• Amazon plans a new country launch — Internal Amazon memos reveal a rollout schedule for a marketplace in a South‑American nation, offering sellers a fresh channel for product exposure starting early 2025.
• Advertising dollars are shifting — Brands are moving a portion of their daily spend from Amazon Sponsored Products to TikTok Shop’s in‑feed video ads to capture early‑adopter traffic in the newly opened regions.

How the Current Shifts Work

1. Amazon fulfillment bottlenecks for Chinese sellers — Sellers shipping from mainland China now experience inbound processing times that can exceed three days, leading many to split inventory between Amazon’s FBA network and third‑party logistics providers that promise faster customs clearance.
2. Temu’s stricter product‑standard enforcement — The platform’s updated vetting system forces merchants to upload detailed compliance documents such as CE marks and material safety data sheets, which adds a multi‑day delay before new listings become active.