UPS Raises Costs With Surcharges on U.S. Trade Services

UPS is implementing temporary surcharges on select import and export services during the peak holiday season, affecting shipments between the U.S. and several global markets. The fees, which vary by origin and service type, aim to offset operational pressures without impacting service quality. Here's what you need to know: 

• The UPS will apply surge fees from mid-September or mid-October (depending on the origin country and destination) through January 17, 2026. Fees range from $0.20 to $0.52 per pound/package depending on region and service.

• Unlike previous years, the current surcharges do not apply to China (despite the China to U.S. trade lane historically being the most profitable for UPS) since there has been a 35% volume decline on the China-to-U.S. trade lane due to tariff impacts.

• The surcharges align with Q4 peak holiday demand, adding cost pressure for shippers during a critical sales window. UPS says these fees help maintain the quality and timeliness of their service.

• FedEx also introduced temporary import/export surcharges effective Sept. 22–Oct. 19, ranging from $0.10 to $0.50 per pound, highlighting an industry-wide trend in response to fluctuating demand and network strain.

• Despite the added costs, UPS assures customers that these fees are designed to support reliable delivery and operational efficiency throughout high-volume periods.

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Fastest-Growing Brands Using UPS

We used Charm data to identify the fastest-growing brands using UPS’ shipping. We measured growth by the Charm Growth Score. This multidimensional metric measures the growth of the brand across website traffic, social media followers, and more. It can be used as a percentile to show that the brand is growing X% faster than the other brands in their product category.

Westwing

Charm Growth Score: 95.66
Charm Success Score: 79.74
Fastest-Growing Channel: Facebook

Audience Demographic Skew: Female, age 25-3

Elevate your home with designer furniture, timeless décor, and curated inspiration with Westwing. Experience refined style and uncompromising quality.

Petit Bateau

Charm Growth Score: 93.21
Charm Success Score: 79.80
Fastest-Growing Channel: Facebook

Audience Demographic Skew: Female, age 25-34

Discover Petit Bateau’s timeless collection of clothing for babies, children, and women. Crafted from premium fabrics, our classic designs combine comfort, style, and a commitment to sustainability.

Kavee

Charm Growth Score: 92.16
Charm Success Score: 95.63
Fastest-Growing Channel: TikTok

Audience Demographic Skew: Female, age 18-24

Trusted by over 100,000 guinea pig parents, Kavee offers specially designed C&C cages, fleece liners, and accessories created for your small pet's comfort and care.

Not a customer yet, and want to use Charm to build a pipeline of qualified brands and contacts?  Book a demo with Charm today.