(AURN News) — If you love shopping on Temu and Shein, get ready to pay more. President Donald Trump‘s “Liberation Day” tariffs are putting an end to a key tax exemption that has allowed cheap shipments from China to reach your doorstep without extra costs.
A rule called the “de minimis” provision lets Chinese e-commerce companies ship products under $800 directly to U.S. customers without paying customs duties. That’s changing.
“Imported goods sent through means other than the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to all applicable duties, which shall be paid in accordance with applicable entry and payment procedures,” the White House said in a fact sheet.
Starting May 2, anything that used to qualify for this exemption will now come with a duty of either 30% of its value or $25 per item. That jumps to $50 per item on June 1.
The executive order makes it clear: “Duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall no longer be available for products of the PRC (which include products of Hong Kong) described in section 2(a) of Executive Order 14195, as amended by Executive Order 14228.”
This change affects all Chinese goods, whether they arrive through regular shipping methods or the postal system.
“All relevant postal items containing goods that are sent through the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption are subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item (increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025). This is in lieu of any other duties, including those imposed by prior Orders,” according to the White House fact sheet.
So if you’ve been scoring deals on inexpensive clothes, accessories, and gadgets from China, expect to see higher prices at checkout soon.
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