US cuts 'de minimis' tariff on low-value packages from China
Share this @internewscast.com


() The Trump administration will cut the “de minimis” tariff on low-value packages from China, according to an executive order published on Monday.

The levies, reduced to 54% from 120%, will likely affect China’s e-commerce powerhouses like Shein and Temu, as well as businesses in the U.S. that rely on Chinese-made products.

The move marks the latest trade de-escalation between China and the United States. The countries reached a 90-day trade deal after talks in Geneva, Switzerland, over the weekend, soothing markets worldwide after months of uncertainty.

What is a de minimis tariff?

The de minimis exemption previously allowed Chinese packages worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty-free. The rule was created because sometimes processing a tariff fee on those small packages would cost more than the package itself.

On May 2, an executive order went into effect that raised the levy on those low-value packages to 120%. Trump, who previously called the loophole a “scam,” cited the flow of fentanyl from China as the reason behind ending the tariff exemption.

Under Trump’s latest order, de minimis packages are subject to a 54% tariff, or $100 flat fee. A far cry from duty-free, the levy decrease is still likely to ease some of the nation’s shipping concerns.

Jianlong Hu, CEO of Brands Factory, told Reuters the current tariff is still very high for international e-commerce merchants.

“Sellers are probably taking a wait-and-see approach, but in general, I think it’s fair to say the boom times of small package delivery from China to the U.S., the golden age is already gone,” Hu said.

What does de minimis mean for Shein and Temu?

Last month, China-based budget retailers Shein and Temu hiked their prices in response to Trump’s tariffs.

The price of the top 100 beauty and health products on Shein jumped 51% in the final week of April, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. 

Temu added “import charges” that sometimes cost more than the original product.

The latest tariff change could give these retailers the time to reevaluate prices and adapt their businesses.

It’s not clear if Shein, Temu or other similar storefronts like Aliexpress will drop prices over the next 90 days but experts predict merchants will likely take this time to restock their U.S. warehouses, even if the allure of de minimis has faded.

“I think companies that were part of the cross-border boom from China will still want to diversify their business away from the U.S. as much as they can. Everyone has already realized if you depend on the U.S., it’s too risky,” Hu said.

‘s Brooke Shafer and Andrew Dorn contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

‘Protesters Gather to Oppose Florida’s Proposed Bear Hunt for Trophies’

ORLANDO, Fla. – Katrina McAllister and her family traveled from Ocala to…

Producer compares upcoming reality show to a ‘Hunger Games’-style competition for immigration.

A reality show producer has proposed a unique concept to the Department…

Seedings Revealed for Big Ten Baseball Tournament

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Although the Illinois baseball team concluded its regular…

Tragic Incident at Fertility Clinic Deemed an ‘Intentional’ Act, Police Reports

A blast that significantly damaged a fertility clinic in the high-end city…

FDA Approves Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine with Unique Restrictions

WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration has issued a long-awaited approval…

Powerful Blast at Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Shakes California Desert Community

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) Police and firefighters responded to an explosion Saturday…

Blast at Fertility Clinic in Palm Springs Shakes California Desert Community

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — On Saturday, police and firefighters were called…

Trump Criticizes Walmart for Raising Prices: ‘Absorb the Tariffs’

President Trump on Saturday lambasted Walmart over its decision to raise prices…

State and Federal Investigations Continue After Officers Stabbed at Southwest Virginia Prison

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brett Hall…

Fatal Collision Occurs Between Car and Semi-Truck on I-57 in Neoga

NEOGA, Ill. (WCIA) — A tragic accident on Interstate 57 in Neoga…

GOP Senators Concerned After Trump Dismisses FEMA Director

Senate Republicans are feeling uneasy about the Trump administration’s move to terminate…

Portugal Faces Its Third General Election in Three Years: Will It Bring Stability?

LISBON – On Sunday, voters in Portugal will head back to the…