ANTHILLAsk your own question
Answer ยท confidence: partial

How are tariffs, shopping trends, and app fee changes affecting sellers in 2026?

Research question: In 2026, how are tariffs, consumer spending trends, and platform fee changes affecting sales volume and profit margins for sellers?

The records only partly answer this question and do not measure how 2026 tariffs, consumer spending, or platform fees are affecting seller sales volume or profit margins. The 2026 tariff notices cover steel, aluminum, and copper duties 6, a Taiwan agreement removing certain aircraft-component tariffs 1, and a 100 percent tariff on certain patented pharmaceuticals, while generic pharmaceuticals are not subject to Section 232 tariffs 32. Commenters on Brazil tariffs warned of higher costs for consumers and higher home prices from stone products, and footwear tariffs could harm small retailers, but these are commenters' views rather than measured outcomes 121715. The only seller-level evidence on margins and volume is from 2025: SunOpta's adjusted gross margin fell partly due to pass-through tariff pricing while its fruit snack volume rose 1820, and Revolve expected cost of sales to rise because of tariffs 28. The newest fact is dated September 29, 2026, the effective date of the pharmaceutical tariff for companies not in Annex III 3, roughly a month before October 2026, and no facts address platform fee changes.

Checked 2026-10-20. Only documented and supported facts are used.
Dig deeper on this question

Sources

[1] documented
The US committed under the MOU to remove derivative Section 232 steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs on aircraft components that are products of Taiwan.
"In addition, the MOU states that the United States will remove derivative Section 232 steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs from aircraft components that are products of Taiwan."
Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (Commerce Department, International Trade Administration, 2026-05-28)
[2] documented
The tariffs in this notice apply only to imported goods that are aluminum, steel, or copper articles or their derivatives; the notice does not address sales volume, profit margins, consumer spending, or platform fees.
"The Presidential Proclamation imposes duties only on imported goods that are aluminum, steel, or copper articles or their derivatives."
Notice of Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed by Presidential Proclamation 11021 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-04-29)
[3] documented
Proclamation 11020 imposed a 100 percent tariff on certain imports of patented pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, effective September 29, 2026, for companies not listed in Annex III.
"Proclamation 11020 imposed a 100 percent ad valorem tariff on certain imports of patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, effective September 29, 2026, for companies not listed in Annex III to Proclamation 11020."
Procedures To Apply for Company-Specific Onshoring Agreements To Obtain Tariff Adjustments for Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-05-13)
[4] documented
The USTR proposed applying a 25 percent tariff on all goods of Brazil, with exemptions for certain goods.
"applying tariffs of 25 percent on all goods of Brazil, with exemptions for certain goods"
Notice of Action: Brazil's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation (Trade Representative, Office of United States, 2026-07-20)
[5] documented
Under the MOU, the United States will no longer apply derivative Section 232 steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs to Taiwanese aircraft components.
"The MOU also provides that the United States will no longer apply derivative Section 232 steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs to aircraft components that are products of Taiwan."
Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (Commerce Department, International Trade Administration, 2026-05-28)
[6] documented
The President issued Proclamation 11021 on April 2, 2026, to adjust imports of aluminum, steel, and copper into the United States.
"On April 2, 2026, the President issued the Presidential Proclamation ``Strengthening Actions Taken to Adjust Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper into the United States''"
Notice of Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed by Presidential Proclamation 11021 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-04-29)
[7] documented
Companies that sign company-specific onshoring agreements with Commerce can receive a reduced Section 232 duty rate on their imported pharmaceutical products and ingredients.
"Companies that enter into such agreements are eligible for a reduced Section 232 duty rate for imports of their pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients."
Procedures To Apply for Company-Specific Onshoring Agreements To Obtain Tariff Adjustments for Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-05-13)
[8] documented
The President directed a 25 percent tariff on all goods of Brazil, with exemptions for certain goods.
"the President directed imposition of a 25 percent tariff on all goods of Brazil, with exemptions for certain goods"
Notice of Action: Brazil's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation (Trade Representative, Office of United States, 2026-07-20)
[9] documented
For certain Taiwanese products with a Column 1 duty rate below 15 percent, the combined Column 1 rate plus the Section 232 additional tariff is set at 15 percent.
"or such products with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is less than 15 percent, the sum of the Column 1 Duty Rate and the additional ad valorem tariff under Section 232 shall be 15 percent."
Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (Commerce Department, International Trade Administration, 2026-05-28)
[10] documented
The corrections take effect for goods entered for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on April 6, 2026.
"These technical corrections and clarification are effective with respect to certain products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on April 6, 2026."
Notice of Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed by Presidential Proclamation 11021 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-04-29)
[11] documented
As of the notice, Section 232 tariffs did not apply to generic pharmaceutical products and their associated ingredients.
"At this time, Section 232 tariffs do not apply to generic pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients."
Procedures To Apply for Company-Specific Onshoring Agreements To Obtain Tariff Adjustments for Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-05-13)
[12] supported
Commenters said tariffs on certain products from Brazil could raise costs for U.S. consumers or manufacturers, including for apparel, chemicals, electrical equipment, footwear, and stone products.
"suggested that application of tariffs on certain products from Brazil could increase costs for U.S. consumers or manufacturers"
Notice of Action: Brazil's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation (Trade Representative, Office of United States, 2026-07-20)
[13] documented
The tariff modifications apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse consumption, on or after May 1, 2026, even though the notice was published May 28, 2026.
"The modifications to the HTSUS set forth in the Annex to this Notice are effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on May 1, 2026."
Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (Commerce Department, International Trade Administration, 2026-05-28)
[14] supported
Commerce sought onshoring agreement applications by June 12, 2026, so that agreements could be in place before the Section 232 tariffs take effect for most companies.
"BIS needs time to get onshoring agreements in place before September 29, 2026, when the Section 232 tariffs for most companies will become effective."
Procedures To Apply for Company-Specific Onshoring Agreements To Obtain Tariff Adjustments for Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-05-13)
[15] documented
Commenters argued that footwear tariffs could harm American retailers, particularly small retailers.
"Regarding footwear, commenters suggested tariffs could have an adverse impact on American retailers, particularly small retailers."
Notice of Action: Brazil's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation (Trade Representative, Office of United States, 2026-07-20)
[16] documented
Duties already collected may be refunded if the notice requires it, processed under applicable law and CBP's standard refund procedures.
"To the extent that implementation of this notice requires a refund of duties collected, refunds shall be processed pursuant to applicable law and the standard procedures of CBP for such refunds."
Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (Commerce Department, International Trade Administration, 2026-05-28)
[17] supported
Commenters on stone products warned that tariffs could be passed along to consumers as higher home prices.
"Comments related to stone products noted that tariffs could be passed along in increased home prices."
Notice of Action: Brazil's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation (Trade Representative, Office of United States, 2026-07-20)
[18] documented
Sunopta's adjusted gross margin decreased in the third quarter of 2025, partly because of the dilutive effect of pass-through tariff pricing.
"the dilutive effect of pass-through tariff pricing"
10-Q SunOpta Inc. (STKL) (CIK 0000351834) 2025-11-05
[19] documented
China responded on April 9, 2025 by raising its levies on U.S. imports to 84% from 34%.
"On April 9, 2025, China has responded by hiking its levies on U.S. imports to 84% from 34%."
10-Q GigaCloud Technology Inc (GCT) (CIK 0001857816) 2025-05-12
[20] documented
Fruit snack sales rose in the third quarter of 2025 on volume growth, and tariff-cost pass-through price increases added to revenue.
"Higher sales of fruit snacks driven by volume growth, together with incremental pass-through pricing adjustments for tariff costs"
10-Q SunOpta Inc. (STKL) (CIK 0000351834) 2025-11-05
[21] documented
The number of active 3P sellers on the GigaCloud Marketplace rose 33.4%, from 865 to 1,154, over the 12 months ended March 31, 2025.
"The number of active 3P sellers in the GigaCloud Marketplace increased to 1,154 in the 12 months ended March 31, 2025 from 865 in the 12 months ended March 31, 2024, representing an increase of 33.4% period-over-period."
10-Q GigaCloud Technology Inc (GCT) (CIK 0001857816) 2025-05-12
[22] supported
Sunopta reported third-quarter 2025 revenue of $205.4 million, up from $175.9 million a year earlier, with sales volume increases for beverages and broths contributing $23.1 million of the increase.
"Sales volume increases for beverages and broths, partially offset by lower pass-through pricing for certain raw material cost savings"
10-Q SunOpta Inc. (STKL) (CIK 0000351834) 2025-11-05
[23] documented
Total GMV across platforms grew 56.1% to $1,416.7 million for the 12 months ended March 31, 2025, which the company attributed mainly to more sellers and buyers transacting on its marketplace.
"ased to $1,416.7 million in the 12 months ended March 31, 2025 from $907.7 million in the 12 months ended March 31, 2024, representing a growth of 56.1% period-over-period, primarily due to the continued increase in the numbers of sellers and buyers transacting in our marketplace"
10-Q GigaCloud Technology Inc (GCT) (CIK 0001857816) 2025-05-12
[24] documented
Effective August 1, 2025, the U.S. tariff rate on non-USMCA-exempt goods from Canada was raised to 35%, after an initial 25% tariff imposed in March 2025.
"Effective August 1, 2025, the tariff rate on those goods from Canada was increased to 35%."
10-Q SunOpta Inc. (STKL) (CIK 0000351834) 2025-11-05
[25] supported
Payments to third-party ecommerce websites for Product Sales to B are netted against revenues rather than recorded as expenses, while costs for Product Sales to C are recorded as selling and marketing expenses.
"Regarding Product Sales to B, as expenses charged by these websites are not in exchange for a distinct good or service, the payments to these websites are not recognized as expenses but netted against revenues."
10-Q GigaCloud Technology Inc (GCT) (CIK 0001857816) 2025-05-12
[26] documented
As of May 6, 2025, the U.S. government had imposed incremental tariffs of 145% on goods imported from China, a major sourcing country for Revolve.
"As of May 6, 2025, the U.S. government had imposed incremental tariffs of 145% on goods imported from China, from which we source a significant portion"
10-Q Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV) (CIK 0001746618) 2025-05-06
[27] supported
A tariff-rate quota lets a set quantity of imported goods enter at a reduced duty rate, which is the tariff mechanism this dairy licensing rule administers.
"Tariff-rate quota or TRQ means a quota that permits a specified quantity of imported merchandise to be entered at a reduced rate of duty during the quota period."
Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Program (Agriculture Department, Foreign Agricultural Service, 2026-03-09)
[28] documented
Revolve expects its cost of sales as a percentage of net sales to rise in the near term because of increased tariffs, especially on products with a China origin.
"In the near-term, we expect cost of sales as a percentage of net sales to increase as a result of increased tariffs, particularly on products with a China origin."
10-Q Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV) (CIK 0001746618) 2025-05-06
[29] documented
Proclamation 11020 imposed a 100 percent tariff on certain patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients, starting July 31, 2026 for companies listed in Annex III and September 29, 2026 for all other companies.
"Proclamation 11020 imposed a 100 percent ad valorem tariff on certain imports of patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, effective July 31, 2026 for the companies listed in Annex III of Proclamation 11020, and September 29, 2026 for all other companies."
Guidance and Procedures for Implementing Tariff Adjustments for Specialty Pharmaceuticals and Associated Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-09-23)
[30] supported
Dairy import licensees must import at least 85 percent of their license amount to stay eligible, but may surrender up to 100 percent of the license, which affects how much volume they actually bring in.
"To avoid ineligibility due to the 85 percent rule, licensees may surrender up to 100 percent of the license, but must import 85 percent of any quantity not surrendered."
Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Program (Agriculture Department, Foreign Agricultural Service, 2026-03-09)
[31] documented
Revolve expects tariffs to shift customer demand and merchandise mix away from owned brands and third-party brands most exposed to heightened tariffs, which could hurt overall gross margin.
"In the near-term, we may experience shifts in merchandise mix as a result of changes in customer demand driven by the effects of tariffs, as well as a decrease in the contribution of owned brand products and certain third-party branded products that face greater direct exposure to the impact of heightened tariffs. Shifts in merchandise mix could adversely impact our overall gross margin."
10-Q Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV) (CIK 0001746618) 2025-05-06
[32] documented
Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs do not currently apply to generic pharmaceutical products and their associated ingredients.
"At this time, Section 232 Pharmaceutical Tariffs do not apply to generic pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients."
Guidance and Procedures for Implementing Tariff Adjustments for Specialty Pharmaceuticals and Associated Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-09-23)
[33] documented
Average order value fell in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, mainly because a smaller share of sales was made at full price.
"Average order value decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2025, relative to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a lower percentage of sales at full price."
10-Q Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV) (CIK 0001746618) 2025-05-06
[34] documented
Different tariff rates apply to patented pharmaceuticals from certain jurisdictions and from companies with Commerce-approved onshoring agreements.
"Different rates apply to patented pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients from certain jurisdictions and from companies with Commerce-approved onshoring agreements"
Guidance and Procedures for Implementing Tariff Adjustments for Specialty Pharmaceuticals and Associated Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-09-23)
[35] supported
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales rose in Q1 2025 to 48.0% from 47.7% in Q1 2024, driven by fewer full-price sales and deeper markdowns, partly offset by a lower mix of third-party brand sales.
"The increase in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a lower percentage of full price sales and deeper markdowns on markdown sales, partially offset by a lower mix of third-party brand sales."
10-Q Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV) (CIK 0001746618) 2025-05-06
[36] documented
The Commerce Department said that delays in deciding import requests before the 100 percent rate took effect create uncertainty about companies' tariff liability and could cause supply chain disruptions.
"creates uncertainty for companies' understanding of their tariff liability and could also cause supply chain disruptions."
Guidance and Procedures for Implementing Tariff Adjustments for Specialty Pharmaceuticals and Associated Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed Under Proclamation 11020 (Commerce Department, Industry and Security Bureau, 2026-09-23)