Trump’s Tariffs: Why UK-based operations and direct shipping to US customers could be the smarter move

As the U.S. trade landscape evolves under potential new tariff policies, many UK businesses exporting to American customers are considering their logistics strategies. While shipping bulk orders to U.S. based warehouses or third-party logistics providers (3PLs) might seem like a choice, the hidden costs of import duties, expensive final-mile deliveries, and reduced operational control can quickly erode profitability.

Operating from the UK and shipping directly to U.S. customers not only sidesteps these challenges but also offers the following significant advantages:

Avoid bulk import duties and expensive local deliveries:
A key point is that e-commerce shipping directly from the UK to the end customer in the U.S. is often more cost-effective than sending a bulk shipment to a U.S. based warehouse or 3PL and then relying on domestic ground services for final-mile delivery, which can be notably expensive. Additionally, shipping large volumes to a U.S. warehouse means paying duties on goods upfront as they enter, whereas shipping individual orders directly from the UK allows you to pay duties only on sold items, potentially reducing costs.

Maintain operational control:
By keeping operations in the UK, you retain full control over inventory, packaging, and shipping processes. This ensures consistent quality, quicker problem-solving, and a better customer experience something that can be harder to achieve when outsourcing to overseas warehouses.

De Minimis threshold benefits:
Shipping smaller orders from the UK can often fall under the U.S. de minimis threshold (currently $800), allowing many packages to bypass duties altogether – offering significant savings.

Currency security:
Operating from the UK allows you to maintain control over pricing and revenue in GBP, shielding your business from unpredictable exchange rate fluctuations.

Time zones work to your advantage:
While your customers sleep, your UK operations can process orders, ensuring efficient workflows and delivery times that feel fast despite the distance.

By keeping your operations in the UK, you maintain control, flexibility, optimise costs, and in some cases where relevant or important, preserves your brand’s unique British identity.

At Flight Logistics Group, we specialise in supporting UK e-commerce businesses with global shipping solutions. Let us help you stay agile and competitive in the ever-changing trade landscape.