U.S. customs duties reached an all-time high of $16.5 billion in April 2025, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions and regulatory changes impacting American businesses. This surge is attributed to increased imports, which grew by 4.4% in April 2025, totaling $419 billion, while exports saw only a minimal increase of 0.2%. The record collection was announced alongside the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reporting a trade deficit of $140.5 billion for March 2025. This surge is attributed to the elimination of the De Minimis exemption for low-value goods from China and Hong Kong, which has amplified costs for small-value imports and e-commerce businesses reliant on duty-free shipments.