- Changes to De Minimis Rule: Starting May 2, 2025, the U.S. will eliminate the de minimis exemption for low-value goods shipped from China, requiring all such imports to undergo customs clearance and incur import taxes and tariffs, significantly affecting e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu that have relied on this loophole for competitive pricing.
- Impact of U.S.-China Trade Policies: The ongoing trade disputes have led to fluctuating tariffs, with recent changes imposing a 30% tax on all Chinese goods and a 54% tariff on low-value parcels. This has prompted e-commerce giants to adjust their sales strategies, including pausing shipments from China and focusing on U.S. inventory.
- Broader Implications for E-Commerce: The removal of the de minimis benefit and increased tariffs will reshape the international e-commerce landscape, imposing administrative burdens on U.S. customs and altering inventory and pricing strategies for businesses involved in cross-border trade, while also affecting consumer prices and access to goods.
Source 1stopvat