Summary
The U.S. has ended the "de minimis" exemption, which previously allowed packages valued under $800 from international sellers to enter the country without tariffs. This change has prompted many foreign postal services to suspend shipments to the U.S., citing difficulties in adapting to the new trade rules. The U.S. government expects increased tariff revenue and reduced entrance of illegal goods.
Key Facts
- The "de minimis" exemption ended for packages valued under $800, meaning tariffs now apply.
- Many international postal services have stopped shipping to the U.S. due to the complexity of the new rules.
- The change started under President Trump, initially targeting packages from China.
- The U.S. government predicts $10 billion a year in new tariff revenue.
- 29 European postal services and others in Asia and Latin America have halted or warned about shipping to the U.S.
- The exemption helped Chinese merchants like Shein and Temu in sales to the U.S.
- The decision aims to curb illegal goods, including counterfeit products, entering the country.
- Criticism comes from some U.S. officials who say the change will hurt small businesses.
