Nearshore News: EU Export Surge, U.S. Price Hikes, Postscript’s Relief Plan, and Mexico’s Growing Role in Supply Chains

From last-minute export surges to long-term supply chain shifts, businesses are adapting fast to trade volatility. EU exports to the U.S. soared nearly 60% in March as companies raced to get ahead of Trump’s pending tariffs. In the U.S., retailers like Walmart and Microsoft are already passing higher import costs to consumers. Meanwhile, Postscript is stepping in with $2.5M in relief for e-commerce brands under pressure. And in the background, nearshoring to Mexico is not just as a workaround, but a lasting strategy for regional resilience.

Nearshore News Summary:

• EU exports to the U.S. surged nearly 60% in March as businesses rushed to ship goods ahead of tariffs (WSJ)
• Walmart announces price hikes after Mattel, Microsoft’s Xbox and others (Associated Press)
• Marketing software startup Postscript commits $2.5M to support e-commerce brands impacted by tariffs (Business Insider)
• U.S.-Mexico nearshoring accelerates as long-term supply chain strategy (Forbes)

EU Exports to U.S. Surge Ahead of Trump Tariffs

Published: May 16, 2025
Source: WSJ

The European Union’s exports to the U.S. surged nearly 60% in March to a record $79.86 billion, as businesses rushed to ship goods ahead of Trump’s planned tariffs. While the tariffs were paused for 90 days, the EU trade surplus with the U.S. has sharply widened, intensifying ongoing trade tensions.

Key points:

• Record Export Surge: EU exports to the U.S. rose by 59.5% in March compared to the same month last year, totaling €71.4 billion (about $79.86 billion), marking a historic high.
• Widening Trade Surplus: The EU’s trade surplus with the U.S. jumped to €40.7 billion in March, up from €16.7 billion in March 2024 — a key point of friction for President Trump.
• Preemptive Stockpiling: The surge in exports was largely driven by businesses shipping goods ahead of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, later suspended for 90 days.
• Sector Highlights: Chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, led the export growth, followed by machinery and vehicles — traditionally strong EU export sectors.
• EU Open to Deal: Poland’s deputy economy minister said the EU is willing to increase imports from the U.S. and lower industrial tariffs, signaling openness to a broader trade agreement to avoid reciprocal measures.

Under a cloud of tariffs, Walmart is the latest retailer to announce price hikes

Published: May 15, 2025
Source: Associated Press

Retailers across the U.S., including Walmart, Mattel, and Microsoft, are raising prices in response to rising import costs from President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Even with some tariff reductions following the recent U.S.-China trade truce, many duties remain — and major brands say consumers will feel the impact by summer.

Key points:

• Walmart Raises Prices on Essentials: Walmart has begun raising prices due to tariffs, with the steepest increases expected in June and July. Items like bananas and car seats have already seen noticeable hikes, with CFO John David Rainey warning that “there’s a limit to what we can bear.”
• Toymaker Mattel Shifts Supply Chains: Mattel, which produces 40% of its toys in China, warned of tariff-driven price increases and is relocating hundreds of products to factories in other countries. It’s also diversifying production across multiple nations for popular toys to reduce exposure.
• Microsoft Bumps Xbox Prices Globally: Microsoft increased prices for Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S. and abroad, citing broader market conditions. The Xbox Series S and X saw jumps of $80 and $100 respectively, with some new games expected to cost $79.99 this holiday season.
• Temu and Shein Hit by End of De Minimis Rule: With the May 2 end of the de minimis rule for Chinese low-value imports, both e-commerce giants raised prices. Although a U.S.-China deal reduced the parcel tariff to 54%, many products still face significant duties that are now baked into prices.
• More Brands Signal Price Hikes Ahead: Stanley Black & Decker and Procter & Gamble have both confirmed price increases due to tariffs. P&G said hikes could arrive by July, despite efforts to offset costs through supply chain adjustments and alternative sourcing.

Tariffs are hitting e-commerce brands, so Postscript is eating some costs to keep them afloat

Published: May 13, 2025
Source: Business Insider

Marketing software startup Postscript is dedicating $2.5 million to help e-commerce brands weather the impact of U.S. tariffs, offering discounts, free tools, and contract flexibility to customers facing supply chain pressure. Despite a recent 90-day reduction in tariffs, Postscript says many brands still need short-term support amid ongoing uncertainty.

Key points:

• Postscript Launches $2.5M Tariff Relief Plan: In response to customer concerns, Postscript is rolling out $2.5 million in support to e-commerce brands impacted by tariffs. This includes permanent rate cuts, free AI tools for the quarter, waived platform fees for new customers, and contract wind-down clauses.
• Small and Mid-Sized Brands Feeling the Pressure: While some Postscript clients are shielded from tariff impacts through U.S. inventory or supply chain diversification, many face hard choices like raising prices, reducing staff, or slashing marketing budgets to manage rising costs.
• Customer-First Approach Despite Revenue Hit: Cofounder Alex Beller said Postscript’s decision to absorb costs is intended to build loyalty and support struggling merchants. “We need to step up and proactively absorb our fair share,” he explained.
• Ripple Effects on Shopify Ecosystem: E-commerce software providers like KnoCommerce and Stamped report merchants are actively cutting expenses, which could impact tech providers reliant on Shopify’s customer base. Postscript is watching for broader downstream effects.
• Tariff Relief May Be Temporary: Although U.S. and China recently agreed to lower tariffs from 145% to 30% for 90 days, Beller says the uncertainty remains. Postscript will maintain its relief measures to help clients navigate ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Nearshoring: Long-Term Trends In U.S.-Mexico Supply Chain Realignment

Published: May 12, 2025
Source: Forbes

Nearshoring to Mexico is evolving from a short-term response into a long-term strategy for U.S. companies aiming to build more resilient, cost-effective, and regionally integrated supply chains. While challenges around infrastructure and political uncertainty remain, Mexico’s competitive labor, proximity, and improved logistics capabilities make it a prime candidate for sustained cross-border investment.

Key points:

• Mexico Emerges as U.S.’s Top Trading Partner Amid Global Disruptions: Ongoing supply chain shocks have fueled a strategic shift toward nearshoring. In 2023, Mexico overtook China as the U.S.’s largest goods trading partner, driven by reduced transit times, geopolitical stability, and cost-competitive labor.
• USMCA, FTZs, and Bonded Shipments Support Cross-Border Trade: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) offers a robust framework with reduced tariffs and labor protections. Companies are increasingly using bonded transport and foreign trade zones to manage inventory more flexibly and defer duties, especially in high-value sectors like automotive and electronics.
• Nearshoring Is About Resilience, Not Just Cost: Beyond savings, U.S. businesses value the control and redundancy that nearshoring provides. Supply chain shocks like the Suez Canal blockage and China port closures exposed vulnerabilities in distant operations—making proximity to North American markets more attractive.
• Execution Pitfalls Include Underestimating Infrastructure and Border Complexity: While Mexico’s industrial hubs are well-equipped, newer regions may lack sufficient infrastructure. Successful nearshoring also requires understanding customs processes and choosing logistics partners with trusted certifications like C-TPAT and Mexico’s OEA.
• Long-Term View: North America’s Economic Integration Is Accelerating: Nearshoring reflects a broader shift toward regional reindustrialization as the global economy becomes more multipolar. North American integration is accelerating, with sectors like semiconductors, EVs, and heavy machinery driving over $840 billion in annual trade between the U.S. and Mexico.