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The news: Amazon is testing humanoid delivery robots, per The Information, which could work in tandem with human drivers or as part of an autonomous fleet of delivery vehicles. The humanoid robotics team is working on incorporating large language models (LLMs) from Chinese companies DeepSeek and Alibaba so the bots can contextualize real-world surroundings. Our take: Delivery bots could help with heavy loads and ease the burden on human drivers, but Amazon might be better served with a less human form factor, such as a platform with walking legs to carry packages. The focus on humanoids could limit functionality, and bringing the uncanny valley to consumers’ front door could be off-putting.

Uncertainty creeps into US spending: Luxury companies can no longer rely on US consumers to pick up the slack as Chinese shoppers curb their spending. While LVMH noted that the American consumer cohort has stayed fairly resilient, particularly in the fashion and leather goods segment, shoppers are spending less locally.

But the ecommerce platform has also been dealing with mounting consumer complaints over a range of product issues. Alibaba said that it will collaborate with authorities and vowed to tighten supervision of its supply chain. Predictions. Chinese ecommerce platforms will make major concessions to regulators to continue operating in other countries in the region.

Marketplaces will continue to expand their share of US retail ecommerce as new players with roots in China vie for prominence.

Meta under fire on multiple fronts: Teen-targeting claims, a high-stakes FTC trial, and Chinese advertiser pullback could reshape the company’s ad model.

Trump quadruples de minimis duties on Chinese imports as trade war escalates rapidly: The new fees will not only erase Shein’s and Temu’s price advantage, but also hit US businesses hard.

That will deal a considerable blow to luxury brands, which have become increasingly reliant on US consumers to make up the shortfall as Chinese shoppers pull back on expensive purchases. There is also the possibility that a drawn-out trade war will further curb Chinese consumption, creating an even more difficult operating environment for luxury brands.

Chinese ecommerce brands like Temu and Shein are already slashing US spend. Meanwhile, Reddit and Pinterest are gaining ground, fueled by AI tools, international growth, and ecommerce integrations. Streaming platforms are proving resilient as linear TV continues its decline.

Product safety issues could derail Chinese ecommerce platforms’ growth ambitions: Shein and Temu are struggling to keep products with high levels of toxic substances—as well as those hazardous to babies and children—off their marketplaces.

Hugo Boss is adjusting to the macro landscape on the fly: The German fashion house is rerouting China-made goods to other markets and stockpiling in the US to blunt the impact of tariffs.

The growing trade war could dim America’s birthday and beyond: With flags and fireworks largely produced in China, July Fourth may be quieter—and holiday gifts scarcer.

President Donald Trump’s shifting stance on tariffs has created a volatile environment for both consumers and retailers. With some Chinese goods facing tariffs as high as 245% and a blanket 10% on most imports, the market is seeing rapid shifts in consumer behavior, supply chains, and strategic planning.

Retail sales in China in March grew 5.9%: Government subsidies drove the fastest growth since December 2023, but the escalating US‑China trade war is likely to curb spending in the months ahead.

Walmart looks to accelerate its ecommerce business in China: Working with Chinese delivery app Meituan should boost the retailer’s visibility and sales.

UK regulators approve Shein IPO in a victory for China: While it may be too late for the fast-fashion retailer, the move could put the UK in China’s good graces and protect it from the worst of the trade war.

Trump hikes tariffs on China, pauses higher reciprocal tariffs on others: We expect US retail sales growth to slow due to the broader impact of his trade policies.

Although Meta and TikTok now rely on Chinese retail advertisers like Temu and Shein, their scale, performance, and huge, diverse user bases should serve them well. Smaller players that lack those strengths could struggle more. CTV will be the hardest-hit channel under the moderate and heavy tariff scenarios.

Apparel brands and manufacturers fear hit from Trump tariffs: The duties will disproportionately affect the industry, as 97% of the apparel and shoes sold in the US is imported from countries like China and Vietnam.

Athleisure brands lululemon athletica and Vuori are expanding their presence overseas as the US market cools. With the US market looking increasingly uncertain, it’s no surprise that brands like lululemon and Vuori are looking to international markets to shift growth into a new gear. This trend will likely pick up among apparel brands this year, as they look for ways to mitigate the impact of tariffs and reduce their reliance on US shoppers.

In 2024, retail mcommerce sales will increase 12.7% YoY compared with 8.7% for overall ecommerce. But retail mobile ad spending will increase by a slightly lower rate of 11.6%.

North America was a bright spot for L’Oréal’s otherwise mixed Q2. Like-for-like sales in the region rose 8.3% YoY, more than twice the consensus estimate of 4%. L’Oréal’s bullishness about the health of the beauty sector is decidedly at odds with some of its peers. That doesn’t mean its optimism is entirely misplaced: L’Oréal is better positioned than its peers to capitalize on the beauty ecommerce boom, while its local manufacturing model significantly reduces its exposure to tariffs.