On May 2, the US officially ended the so-called de minimis treatment for low-value imports (valued at $800 or less) from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This rule once let up to 4 million parcels a day clear customs duty-free; now, new tariffs apply to small packages.
Global E-Commerce in Turmoil
Major e-commerce platforms have already started rerouting supply chains, raising prices, and fast-tracking US warehouse builds to offset added duties, Reuters reports. Price spikes of over 100% on some goods have shoppers and social media buzzing about sudden cost jumps and shipping slowdowns.
Shocks for Businesses
Some overseas sellers have paused US shipments or exited the market entirely, while US brands scramble to adapt locally. One American footwear label shifted inventory from Canada to US warehouses after discovering a $175 pair of Chinese-made sneakers would incur over $300 in duties if shipped via Canada, the Wall Street Journal revealed.
Consumer Pinch & Customs Chaos
With more parcels now subject to tariffs, customs systems face unprecedented bottlenecks. Consumers can expect steeper bills on gadgets, fashion finds and everyday goodies. Even President Trump has conceded the downside, noting US families may end up with 'two dolls instead of 30 dolls'—and at a higher cost.
For global citizens, entrepreneurs and digital nomads, this policy shake-up is a vivid lesson: trade rules can change overnight, reshaping prices and delivery times. Keep an eye on shipping notices, compare local versus international prices, and explore in-country fulfillment options to stay ahead.
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Price hikes, customs chaos expected as U.S. ends duty-free imports
cgtn.com
