Trump closes loophole used by American shoppers to buy Chinese goods tariff-free.. His executive order extinguishes a tariff exemption for packages from China and Hong Kong worth less than $800.

opb.org via NPR ^ | April 6, 2025 11:16 a.m. | Brian Mann

[daniel1212]

Popular e-commerce companies, including giants Shein and Temu, use the so-called “de minimis” exemption to ship tens of millions of packages — everything from end tables and lamps to shoes and underwear — to U.S. consumers every year.

So long as each individual package is worth $800 or less, they aren’t required to pay import fees or go through typical customs inspections. But under an executive order signed by Trump Wednesday, that loophole will close on May 2.

These lower-value shipments will now face a tariff of 30% of the “value of the postal item containing goods for merchandise” with a minimum fee that will eventually rise to $50...

“We are really pleased,” said Kimberly Glas, president of the National Council of Textile Organizations, a trade group that lobbied for the de minimis shipments to end, in part to protect U.S.-based manufacturers. “We think this was a huge step forward.”

But some trade experts say closing the loophole and adding what amounts to a hefty tax to low-cost goods will come at a steep cost for many shoppers....

But while many of Trump’s tariffs are controversial, efforts to close the de minimis loophole have drawn bipartisan support, with the backing of U.S. public safety, consumer protection and trade groups.

Last year, 126 House Democrats sent a letter to then-President Joe Biden urging him to use an executive order to apply inspections and duty fees to all direct shipments. ...

According to Glas, her coalition will now lobby the White House and Congress to close the loophole for all low-cost shipments reaching the U.S., not only from China but also from nations like Bangladesh, India and Vietnam.

[daniel1212]

"in part to protect U.S.-based manufacturers." Yet, since the West, under the premise that helping China economically would promote democracy, which itself is imagined to mean freedom, (see Three former presidents support permanent trade status for China : https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4152373/posts?page=2#2 ), plus increased regs and wages, then even with 100% tariffs, most of the low-cost, under $20 goods that come from China would not be manufactured in the US anytime soon, and those that are usually depend upon component from China. .

As one who is involved in evangelical ministry, part of which is working on bikes for free, with parts are cost, then I buy many things online.

Including

https://www.temu.com/goods.html?_bg_fs=1&goods_id=601100302850710&sku_id=17595545369354&_oak_page_source=501&source_goods_id=¤t_rec_strategy=@ $10.18

https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/S5d2bf8ef58ad4cd1b5c7f33e2e9093b67.jpg_220x220q75.jpg_.avif

@2,25

@$1.51 (Temu)

<

@$2,77 (Alieexpress

Note: i suspect Shein should not have its logo in the article here, and aside from clothing, i find Shein to be more expensive than Temu and aliexpress)

[Jeff Chandler]

Have you ever bought any higher price items from Alibaba?

[Vendome]

FAFO and it’s about to get worse.

I suspect the pause on tariffs to 70 countries for 90 days gives us ample opportunity work out a longer term strategy with the other countries who are coming to the table quickly and our goal is not punishing them.

I won’t be surprised if they join, as allies, in on the beat down of China and severely mute the globull ambitions

[Pollard]

Well this explains amazon announcing the cancellation of many items

[cymbeline]

“Have you ever bought any higher price items from Alibaba?”

They used to sell expensive things like small front end loaders. Amazing price on the site but you paid a large duty if you bought one. You learned that when you asked for the price to your door. For the larger items you talked to a salesman.

[Jeff Chandler]

I suppose if I were to purchase products from Alibaba, I might want to wait until the tariff changes are completed.

How much are the duties?

[packrat35]

Minimum $50 tariff on small packages seems excessive and probably will cost for to implement than the money gained...

[daniel1212]

Have you ever bought any higher price items from Alibaba?

Only a printhead from aliexpress.comwhich did not work, would not be refunded, and I prevented me from leaving a negative review on TrustPilot.

But rarely an issue with Temu or aliexpress.com (but you need to be watchful with the latter, as you may see a whole set advertized but it is only one item). And Temu has quickly refunded small items that were not right, and giving credits for late shipments, and for items whose price decreased soon after purchased. Certain sellers for certain items. Thank God we can.

[cymbeline]

“How much are the duties?”

It varies by the product. I think about 25% for the front loader. You can find a breakdown on the internet.

[damper99]

That will cut the selections available on Ebay.