Trump will end the de minimis exemption for low-cost global shipments

The Trump administration is ending the de minimis exemption, a provision that allowed international shipments of low-value items to enter the United States without duty fees. Starting August 29, shipments valued at or under $800 will be subject to duty fees when sent by any carrier other than the international postal network, regardless of the country of origin. The administration claims this move will benefit US businesses and prevent the use of the loophole to ship synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the country. Shipments will either be assessed with an ad valorem duty equal to the tariff rate for the country of origin, or a limited-time specific duty between $80 and $200 per item. The specific duty will be available for only six months, after which all shipments will be subject to an ad valorem duty. The administration had already suspended the de minimis exemption for shipments from China and Hong Kong in May, as a large number of low-cost purchases originated in those regions, which are the center for several online shopping sites specializing in inexpensive goods.