The 3PL sector is under pressure as shippers demand faster, more flexible, and resilient solutions. Ending the U.S. de minimis rule is straining holiday logistics, with more packages facing duties and delays. Canadian apparel retail is up 9.3% in early 2025, led by specialty store growth. Container imports are declining as early frontloading leaves ports with reduced volumes. eBay’s 2025 Recommerce Report confirms second-hand shopping is now mainstream, with 9 in 10 consumers planning to sustain or increase spending.
3PLs Must Adapt Fast as Shipper Expectations Outpace Industry Change
The 3PL market is evolving rapidly as shippers demand greater speed, flexibility, and resilience, but many providers are lagging behind. Short-term cost control and slow adoption of automation, AI, and adaptive labour models are widening the gap between leaders and laggards. To stay competitive, 3PLs must reposition themselves as strategic partners, focused on agility, scalability, and customer-centric performance in an era of constant disruption.
Source: Tompkins Ventures
End of U.S. De Minimis Rule Causes Holiday Delays and Higher Costs
Ending the U.S. de minimis rule is creating major holiday shipping bottlenecks, with millions more packages now facing duties, inspections, and delays. Small sellers are hit hardest and are passing higher import fees to shoppers, leading to surprise duty bills, fewer options, and stricter return policies. Experts advise buying early, checking shipping terms, and expecting higher costs as cross-border e-commerce adjusts.
Source: Money
Canadian Apparel Retail Surges in 2025 Despite Gloomy Forecasts
Canadian apparel retail has rebounded strongly, with sales up 9.3% in early 2025 and specialty stores leading double-digit growth. A weaker dollar, BNPL use, stable pricing, stronger tourism, and younger consumers are all keeping spending local and demand high. Trendex expects high single-digit growth through year-end, making 2025 one of the sector’s strongest post-pandemic years.
Source: Retail Insider
U.S. Retailers Expect Deeper Container Import Declines Into 2026
Container imports continue to fall after retailers frontloaded goods early due to tariff risks, leaving ports with sharp volume drops heading into late 2025. The NRF projects double-digit declines through year-end and an even steeper slowdown in early 2026 as ongoing tariff uncertainty complicates planning. Holiday sales should still grow modestly, but long-term import forecasts point to a softer shipping outlook.
Source: Freight Waves
Recommerce Grows as Canadians Increase Second-Hand Spending in 2025
eBay’s 2025 Recommerce Report shows second-hand shopping is firmly mainstream, with nearly 9 in 10 consumers planning to maintain or increase spending. While saving money remains the top driver, sustainability, self-expression, and a growing sense of community, especially among Gen Z and Millennials—are fueling momentum. The trend is also shaping holiday behaviour, with 78% of consumers more likely to give second-hand gifts this year.
Source: Retail Insider
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