Trump Eliminates De Minimis Tariff Exemption for Goods from China and Hong Kong

President Donald Trump has eliminated the de minimis tariff exemption, which previously allowed small packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the US duty-free. The policy took effect on May 2nd and subjects shipments valued under $800 to either a 120% tariff or a flat fee starting at $100. This follows a history of low-value imports bypassing traditional customs processes, with platforms like Shein and Temu flooding the US market with inexpensive products. The move aims to reduce the burden on border officials and address concerns regarding illegal drug trafficking and potential human rights violations.