The eCommerce industry is changing fast, and both Amazon and Walmart have released major updates that will affect sellers, developers, and marketplace tools. Amazon confirmed a new SP-API fee structure launching in 2026, while Walmart announced new AI and delivery capabilities that strengthen its position in omnichannel retail
This Quixess Daily eCommerce News update explains what these changes mean for your business and how you can prepare.
Amazon Introduces New SP-API Fees for 2026
Amazon announced a major update to the Selling Partner API. Starting in January 2026, all third-party developers using SP-API will pay new required fees.
What’s Changing
Beginning in 2026, developers must pay:
- A $1,400 annual SP-API subscription fee
- Monthly usage fees based on GET API call volume
- New billing cycles starting April 30, 2026
- A default Basic tier with 2.5 million GET calls at no extra charge
This is the biggest Amazon SP-API fee update since SP-API replaced MWS.
Why This Matters for Sellers
SP-API powers the tools sellers depend on, including:
- Repricing tools
- Listing and catalog managers
- Inventory sync platforms
- Order management systems
- Analytics dashboards
When SP-API becomes more expensive, software companies may increase prices. Some tools may reduce features or limit calls. These changes will affect Amazon sellers who rely on automation.
How Sellers Should Prepare
To protect your operations, take these steps now:
- Identify all tools you use that rely on SP-API
- Ask each vendor how the 2026 fee update will affect pricing
- Review whether your current tools are efficient with API calls
- If you build internal tools, start optimizing API usage now
Taking action early helps prevent surprise costs or disruptions.
Amazon Deadlines That Could Affect Your Tools
Amazon also announced strict enforcement dates for billing setup through the Solution Provider Portal.
Key SP-API Dates
- January 31, 2026: Add billing and tax information
- February 9, 2026: Apps without billing will be removed from the Appstore
- February 16, 2026: SP-API access will be disabled for non-compliant apps
How This Impacts Sellers
If a developer or vendor does not complete billing setup on time, your automations can break immediately. This includes:
- Order syncing
- Listing updates
- Pricing automation
- Inventory feeds
- Reporting calls
What You Should Do
Contact your tool providers now and confirm their compliance. If you manage your own SP-API connection, log into the Solution Provider Portal and verify your charge method.
Walmart Strengthens Delivery With Local Fulfillment Strategy
While Amazon is adjusting its API structure, Walmart continues to expand its delivery capabilities.
What Walmart Announced
Walmart now uses more than 4,700 U.S. stores as local fulfillment hubs. This gives Walmart a major delivery advantage:
- Same-day delivery for 93% of U.S. households
- 120,000+ available items
- Seven straight quarters of eCommerce growth above 20%
- U.S. online operations turning profitable
Impact on Sellers
Walmart is becoming Amazon’s strongest competitor by combining stores with fast fulfillment.
What Sellers Should Do
If you list on Walmart Marketplace or plan to expand, review your fulfillment strategy:
- Place inventory closer to buyers
- Use regional 3PL partners
- Enable fast-ship options
- Optimize listings for faster delivery windows
Customers now expect speed across every marketplace.
Walmart Expands AI Tools and Moves to Nasdaq
Walmart also confirmed a strategic move to Nasdaq, aligning itself with major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Apple.
New AI Developments
Walmart is rolling out advanced AI tools, including:
- Sparky, a customer-facing AI assistant
- Carrito Listo, an AI shopping tool used through WhatsApp
- AI-powered personalization and automation across its digital ecosystem
Walmart now describes itself as a “people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer.”
Why This Matters for Sellers
AI influences:
- Search ranking
- Product visibility
- Recommendation engines
- Conversion rates
Better data means better performance.
Seller Action Steps
Improve your catalog quality:
- Update product titles
- Add structured attributes
- Improve content clarity
- Ensure compliance fields are complete
Clean data improves your chances in AI-driven marketplaces.
Seller Tip of the Day
Ask your Amazon tool providers how the 2026 SP-API fee update affects future pricing. Early clarity helps you avoid sudden increases or feature limits.
Trend of the Day
Platforms are monetizing access. APIs, data, delivery speed, and advanced features are becoming premium. Sellers who win will focus on:
- Efficient automation tools
- Cleaner product data
- Faster fulfillment
- Cross-marketplace agility
Stay Ahead With Quixess
Quixess helps multi-channel sellers automate operations, sync catalogs, manage pricing, and reduce manual work across Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Shopify, TikTok Shop, and more.
If you want to protect your workflows from API changes and stay competitive:
👉 Explore Quixess automation: https://quixess.com
👉 Read more insights: https://blog.quixess.com
