This week’s Sourcing Spotlight has a bit of everything—political trade drama, retail shake-ups, and a dash of design inspiration. Trump’s back with more tariffs, and this time, steel and aluminium imports are taking the hit (along with, well, pretty much everything that contains them). Meanwhile, Shein and Temu are dodging regulatory hurdles like pros, but could new crackdowns finally slow them down?

On the trendier side, Ambiente 2025 is serving up fresh design directions, from nature-inspired luxury to playful, sustainable creations. Whether you’re navigating supply chain headaches or just looking for the next big thing, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in.

This Weeks Trump Tariff Announcement…

Trump’s back at it again with the tariffs, and this time, he’s not holding back. Announced on Monday, this 25% tariff on ALL steel and aluminium imports isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a full-blown gut punch to global trade. And before you assume this is just about raw materials, think again! Even if a product contains a measly 2% of steel or aluminium (yes, even that hidden chipboard inside your fancy appliance), it’s getting taxed.

So, what’s the logic? Trump’s banging the “America First” drum again, citing national security concerns and blaming foreign subsidies for wrecking U.S. manufacturing. But while domestic producers might be popping champagne, businesses reliant on imports—like automakers, appliance manufacturers, and construction firms—are bracing for impact. Spoiler alert: prices are going up, and those extra costs will almost certainly land on, you guessed it, the consumer.

And let’s talk about the global fallout. Canada, Mexico, and Brazil—the U.S.’s biggest metal suppliers—are likely fuming and may hit back with their own tariffs. Meanwhile, China (who, let’s be honest, was probably the real target here) will still find ways to sneak its steel in via other countries. Expect trade wars, supply chain nightmares, and a whole lot of political hand-wringing.

So, what’s the game plan? Click here for actionable takeaways.

Shein and Temu’s Future

Can the UK and Trump really stop the juggernaut that is Shein and Temu? Well, they’re certainly trying. Trump wants to scrap the de minimis rule, meaning those ridiculously cheap imports could soon get slapped with tariffs, making them less of a bargain. Meanwhile, the UK and EU are cracking down on tax loopholes and enforcing stricter safety rules—basically, making it harder for these fast-fashion giants to run amok.

Then there’s the elephant in the room—ethical concerns. From dodgy labour conditions to environmental havoc, Shein and Temu have got skeletons in their ultra-fast-fashion closet. But let’s be real: with a cost-of-living crisis raging, most shoppers aren’t exactly ditching their £10 Temu top for a £35 “sustainable” alternative.

So, will Shein and Temu disappear? Not a chance. They’re too big, too cheap, and too clever at dodging obstacles. Unless there’s a serious, united effort to rein them in, they’ll keep doing what they do best—flooding our feeds with bargain-basement fashion that people just can’t resist. READ MORE

TRENDS, TRENDS, TRENDS!

This year’s Ambiente is serving up a design revolution with DEEP, REAL, and EASE—and trust us, you’re going to want in on this.

🌿 DEEP – Think nature’s finest, but make it luxurious. Earthy tones, raw materials, and artisanal craftsmanship bring the outdoors inside—because who doesn’t want a home that feels like a chic forest retreat?

♻️ REAL – Sustainability just got sexy. Recycled materials, rich textures, and effortlessly cool, no-fuss design make this trend all about authenticity. Eco-conscious never looked so good!

🎨 EASE – Say hello to playful design with a side of sass. Bold colours, quirky textures, and unexpected combos remind us that decorating should be fun. Because who wants a boring space?

Bottom line: 2025 is all about thoughtful, sustainable, and personality-packed interiors. Now, who’s ready for a home glow-up? 🚀 Click here for some image inspiration.

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Look for a product similar to the one you want to source. Check the "New Arrivals" section or trending items to stay ahead of the curve.

Many products, especially those from China, Vietnam, or Taiwan, have manufacturer details hidden in plain sight. Here’s where to look:

Websites like ImportYeti, Panjiva, or Shipping Data Websites allow you to search for supplier details based on competitors’ shipments. Just enter a brand name, and you’ll get a list of their suppliers.

Once you identify potential factories:

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That's a wrap on this week's latest news! Stay ahead of the curve by following us daily on Instagram at @loisameliasargent for fresh updates. Craving deeper insights? Dive into exclusive, in-depth analysis with our premium subscription—just $25 a month, and the first month is on us! Get all your most important small business news in one place, helping you navigate information effortlessly with actionable and insightful updates.

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