US Ends Duty-Free Imports Under $800
The United States has officially ended its long-standing tariff exemption for low-cost imports, a move expected to reshape global trade and hit small businesses particularly hard. Starting Friday, goods valued at $800 (£592) or less will no longer qualify for duty-free entry and will instead face stricter customs checks. This decision brings an end to the widely used de minimis exemption, which has allowed millions of packages to enter the country without tariffs. According to US Customs, nearly 1.4 billion packages worth over $64 billion entered the US last year under this rule. The policy change, championed by President Donald Trump, aims to strengthen domestic industry and reduce reliance on cheap imports—but it is likely to come at a cost for consumers and entrepreneurs. Industry experts warn that shoppers should expect higher prices and fewer product options, especially in the […]
