In a breakthrough that promises relief to world supply chains, Walmart China shipments resume after weeks of trade tension between the world's two largest economies. Walmart, as reported by SCMP, has requested several Chinese suppliers to resume shipping merchandise to the United States.

This report comes as tensions between the U.S. and China trade escalate. The President Donald Trump administration recently placed steep tariffs, some up to 245%, on a wide range of Chinese imports. The tariffs, which started in early April 2025, led many American companies to suspend Chinese orders temporarily for cost-related reasons.

One of Ningbo, Zhejiang province's largest office supplies exporters, reported being told by Walmart last week to resume normal shipments. The same directive has been issued to Jiangsu suppliers and other primary manufacturing regions in China. The move is seen as a tactical move by US retailers to stock up ahead of the summer sales season.

Tariffs and Changing Trade Practices

With tariff uncertainty, the majority of exporters have adjusted their business models. Chinese suppliers are more and more transitioning from Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms to Free on Board (FOB) pricing. This allows U.S. importers to take responsibility for tariff handling and customs clearance through their own brokers, giving them more control in managing regulatory changes.

A worldwide supplier of garment hangers and packaging reported that U.S. customers began requesting Chinese manufacturers to resume shipments as early as April 23. Walmart China shipments resume news has been creating a ripple effect, as other big-box stores followed to reduce the risk of stock shortages.

Interestingly, Chinese exporters have indicated that US buyers are paying the cost of the new tariffs themselves to a great extent, easing the pressure on Chinese firms and increasing the chances of them continuing to export despite the increased duties.

Retail Giants Warn of Empty-Shelf Woes

Walmart and Target have reportedly been outspoken in warning the Trump administration of the negative effects of prolonged tariffs. Both CEOs have asserted that the ongoing trade war can lead to global product shortages and push prices higher for ordinary consumers.

The retailers made behind-closed-doors sessions with U.S. officials in an attempt to bring attention to the economic and logistics burden imposed by the new tariffs, CBS News reports. As a response, the White House is reportedly considering a working group to examine the supply chain disruptions and inflation threats of the dispute.

Trump has since hinted at the possible reduction of tariff levels, informing Time magazine in an interview that he had phoned Chinese President Xi Jinping to talk of reducing the trade war. Beijing did not, however, confirm the fact of the direct phone call, although it expressed willingness to negotiate—on the basis of negotiations being conducted on equal terms.

Why It Matters to Smaller Importers

Walmart China shipments resume is back in balance is welcome news for multinationals retailing in the United States—but potentially also for medium and smaller-sized American importers. As China-U.S. shipping dynamics firm up, smaller businesses might find more stable rates for logistics costs as well as improved container availability.

Besides, the move to FOB pricing provides such smaller companies greater leeway to deal with tariffs and simplify customs clearance, which is ever more precious in a volatile trade environment. With Chinese manufacturers ramping up production and U.S. retailers in need of restocking, the resumption of shipments is viewed as a cautious but welcome step toward the revival of the U.S.-China trade relationship—at least on the retail and shipping fronts.