Unexpected fees shock U.S. consumers as Trump ends $800 duty-free imports from China
Trump reinstates tariffs on Chinese imports, affecting e-commerce and consumers.
President Trump's decision to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports has significantly impacted the e-commerce sector. The policy change is marked by the reversal of the de minimis rule, which previously allowed U.S. consumers to receive foreign packages valued under $800 duty-free.
This shift has greatly affected platforms selling low-cost Chinese goods, such as Temu and Shein. The sudden introduction of tariffs on these packages has led to added import fees for consumers and confusion within shipping companies, prompting numerous complaints on social media.
In response to the backlash, Trump has temporarily reinstated the de minimis exemption, allowing time to develop a systematic approach for collecting tariffs on imports under $800. The policy, although aimed at controlling the flow of illicit substances, has broad implications for American consumers and e-commerce companies that relied on low-cost, duty-free imports.