The Trump administration has implemented a sweeping policy change that effectively shuts down a longstanding loophole used by online retailers to avoid paying import tariffs on goods shipped into the United States.
Under the newly enacted measure, international packages valued under $800—previously exempt from import duties under the “de minimis” rule—will now be subject to full tariff enforcement if they originate from countries targeted by ongoing trade actions. The policy primarily affects low-cost shipments from major e-commerce exporters such as China.
President Trump announced the change as part of his broader economic strategy to protect American manufacturers from what he called “unfair foreign advantages” in the retail and logistics sectors. The administration argues that the loophole allowed overseas sellers to flood the U.S. market with low-cost goods, undercutting domestic producers and bypassing standard import fees.
Effective immediately, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin applying tariffs to all qualifying shipments, regardless of declared value, if the product comes from nations included in the administration’s targeted trade policy. The decision is expected to significantly impact high-volume sellers that relied on the de minimis exemption to reach American consumers through online platforms.
E-commerce giants and shipping providers have begun notifying sellers of the change, warning of potential delays, increased costs, and required adjustments to pricing and logistics. Industry analysts predict the new rule will raise consumer prices for certain imported goods but could create new opportunities for U.S.-based sellers to compete more fairly.
Critics of the policy argue that it could disrupt supply chains, increase inflationary pressure, and limit consumer access to affordable products. However, administration officials insist the change is long overdue and aligns with the president’s “America First” agenda.
Retail trade groups are lobbying for more clarity on implementation timelines and exemptions, particularly for small businesses that rely on low-cost global supply chains. Meanwhile, domestic manufacturers have praised the move as a long-awaited correction to what they view as a regulatory blind spot exploited for years by foreign competitors.
The enforcement overhaul is expected to generate billions in additional tariff revenue and could further reshape U.S. e-commerce dynamics ahead of what the administration signals may be additional rounds of trade reform.