GoodsFox Daily Insights – January 13, 2026:Global E-Commerce Update:Google UCP, Shopee Fee Changes, and Trade Policy Shifts
- Google Launches UCP With Retail Partners to Build Cross-Platform AI Commerce
- Shopee Malaysia Adjusts Commission Rates for Local Sellers Starting February
- Canada Imposes 359.1% Tariffs on Chinese Thermal Paper Rolls
- Maersk Removes Heavy Weight Surcharge on Far East–South America Routes
- Myanmar Introduces New Import and Export Rules Ahead of the New Year
1. Google Launches UCP With Retail Partners to Build Cross-Platform AI Commerce
Google has introduced the open-source Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP).
The initiative is developed with retail partners including Shopify and Etsy.
UCP aims to standardize product discovery, payments, and after-sales services across platforms.
The first phase integrates Google Wallet and plans to support PayPal and other payment methods.
Google also launched a “commerce agent” chat feature.
It allows consumers to interact directly with brands using AI.
A “direct offers” promotion system is currently being tested within Google’s AI-powered shopping mode.
The move comes as Google faces growing competition from OpenAI, Amazon, and other AI commerce players.
2. Shopee Malaysia Adjusts Commission Rates for Local Sellers Starting February
Shopee Malaysia will adjust commission fees for local non-Mall sellers starting February 1, 2026.
For orders priced at MYR 40 or below, commission rates will increase from 2.24% to 3.29%.
For orders above MYR 40, rates will rise from 2.28% to 3.31%.
Service fees will decrease from 4% to 3%.
The changes do not apply to Shopee Mall sellers or cross-border sellers.
New sellers will continue to enjoy commission-free benefits for 120 days or until completing 100 orders.
The platform is expected to balance new seller incentives while optimizing mature seller operations.
3. Canada Imposes 359.1% Tariffs on Chinese Thermal Paper Rolls
On January 8, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruled that Chinese thermal paper rolls involved dumping and subsidies.
Canada Customs will impose a combined tariff rate of 359.1%, including:
·282.1% anti-dumping duties
·77.0% countervailing duties
The measures take effect immediately and will remain in place for five years.
The affected products include thermal coated paper rolls with widths up to 15 cm and paper weight below 70 g/m².
These products are commonly used in receipt and ticket printing.
Canada’s thermal paper market is valued at approximately USD 80 million.
China previously accounted for 40–45% of imports, with exports totaling USD 48.9 million from 2021 to 2024.
4. Maersk Removes Heavy Weight Surcharge on Far East–South America Routes
Maersk announced it will remove the Heavy Weight Surcharge (HWS) starting January 15, 2026.
The change applies to shipments from Far East Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea.
Covered destinations include South America West Coast, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The removal applies to all ocean freight products.
Local, emergency, and other applicable surcharges will still apply.
Rates remain subject to regulatory requirements and filed service contracts.
The move is expected to reduce shipping costs for exporters on affected routes.
5. Myanmar Introduces New Import and Export Rules Ahead of the New Year
Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce issued new compliance requirements for importers and exporters on January 9.
Exporters must complete shipments according to licensed volumes.
Foreign exchange earnings must be repatriated within required timeframes.
The Central Bank reduced the mandatory conversion rate of export proceeds from 25% to 15%.
Export license approvals have been streamlined.
Complete applications for automatic licenses will receive faster approval.
Non-automatic licenses will be reviewed within 24 hours.
On the import side, starting January 1, 2026, all import licenses will have a unified validity of 180 days.
Domestic traders may apply for only one license per product category each month.
Unused licenses will expire automatically through the system.
Authorities urge businesses to strictly comply with the new rules.
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