Big news from across the globe: the U.S. and China have finally agreed to ease up on tariffs at least for the next 90 days.
It might sound like just another political headline, but if you’re a creator, a brand, or someone who relies on social commerce for growth, this matters more than you think.
So let’s break it down: what just happened, what’s changing, and what you can do to stay ahead.
What’s the Deal? Literally.
After months of high-stakes tension (and some truly wild tariff hikes), both countries finally sat down and hit pause. The result?
U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are dropping from 145% to 30%.
China is cutting its tariffs on American products from 125% to 10%.
Some of those extra retaliatory actions (like blacklists and shipping delays)? Suspended.
This truce kicks off a 90-day “reset mode” window between the world’s two biggest economies. But while analysts are busy asking “What’s next for trade?”, we’re asking something more immediate:
How does this affect your storefront, collabs, and next paycheck?
What This Means for TikTok, Temu, and Shein
Let’s start with the platforms that are already shifting into high gear.
TikTok has been in hot water lately due to all the regulatory noise in the U.S. But this softening in trade tension might just cool things down enough for the platform to double down on TikTok Shop in the States.
If TikTok can:
Integrate deeper with Chinese suppliers.
Offer smoother commerce for the U.S. audience.
And avoid further political drama.
Then you, the creator, could see more affiliate tools, better brand support, and yes, more commissionable links that actually convert.
Want proof? TikTok’s Japan e-commerce rollout is a case study in what’s possible when the platform isn’t under fire.
Temu and Shein Are About to Go Hard
These two have been in the influencer game for a while, but tariffs and tension made it harder for them to operate smoothly in the U.S. Now? It’s game on.
Expect:
- Lower prices will make fast fashion and gadgets a trend again.
- More creator campaigns (especially for those in beauty, lifestyle, and tech).
- Quicker shipping and a better shopping experience.
If you’ve worked with Temu or Shein before, now’s the time to polish up your media kit. If you haven’t? Let’s just say they’re probably refreshing their influencer rosters as we speak.
Also, if you’ve seen your content views or affiliate links slowing down, check out Why Website Traffic Is Dropping. This trade thaw might just be your turning point.
Why Influencers Should Care
This isn’t just about trade, it’s about restoring product variety, campaign budgets, and affiliate programs that were frozen or scaled back during the chaos.
Brands will now:
- Re-opening budgets for creator campaigns
- Looking for fresh U.S.-based faces to represent global brands
- Prioritizing ROI through authentic content and strong community ties
That last part? It’s great news for micro and nano creators. You’re exactly who these brands want if you have an engaged niche audience and solid content.
Need receipts? Is Beauty Losing Its Glow on Instagram? Shows how smaller, focused creators are outperforming big-name influencers.
Time to Recheck Your Storefront Strategy
Let’s talk links, buttons, and digital shelves.
If TikTok Shop comes back strong and platforms like Temu bring in more affiliate perks, where you drive your traffic matters more than ever.
Ask yourself:
- Am I promoting the right products for the new wave?
- Are my links set up where shoppers want to buy?
- Is my short-form content aligned with upcoming trends?
If this feels like a pivot moment, it is. See how other creators are adapting in Monetization Trends from LinkedIn.
So… What Happens Next?
This 90-day window isn’t permanent. But it is your early mover advantage. While analysts and policymakers debate long-term solutions, creators and brands who act now can ride the next wave before it gets crowded.
If You’re a Creator:
- Update your storefront and product links
- Pitch to brands who are rebooting U.S. campaigns
- Refresh your short-form content with conversion in mind
If You’re a Brand:
- Look at emerging creators with data-backed engagement
- Diversify your influencer network beyond just Instagram.
- Explore commerce-ready platforms like TikTok, Temu, and Amazon Live.
Let’s not overcomplicate it. This is a turning point. The world economy just took a breath. That means more products, more campaigns, more dollars flowing into digital ecosystems where YOU show up.
The question now is: Are you ready for the next move?
Want help navigating the next wave of global commerce trends as a creator? Logie’s got your back with tools, data, sessions, and support. Let’s build what’s next, together.
