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U.S. Removes De Minimis Exception for Imports from China, Hong Kong

E commerce

Business Honor
08 April, 2025

Starting in May, eCommerce goods from China and Hong Kong face tariffs, and the postal system undergoes changes.

The White House said that the U.S. de minimis exception will be removed for products from China and Hong Kong beginning next month, with additional nations to follow shortly.

As long as they did not reach the United States through the international postal system, imported products from China and Hong Kong that would normally be exempt will be subject to all applicable tariffs on May 2.

In lieu of any additional fees, a duty rate equal to either 30% of their worth or $25 per item will be applied if they do arrive through the postal system. After June 1, each item will cost $50 instead of $25. According to the White House, postal packages may be required to undergo official entry processes by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in which case they will be liable for all relevant taxes, tariffs, and fines.

Furthermore, according to an executive order signed by Trump on reciprocal tariffs, the de minimis exemption for imports from nations that are subject to U.S. tariffs will be removed once "sufficient systems are in place that completely and quickly handle and gather duty revenue" for affected imports. However, gifts and qualified products returned after travel will still be exempt.

Several inexpensive goods from China will be subject to further tariffs imposed by Trump's government as a result of his decision. In addition to raising levies on domestic goods by 20%, he announced that the United States would start imposing a 34% tariff on Chinese goods on April 9.

The White House said that within 90 days of the order, the Commerce Secretary will submit a report evaluating its effects and determining whether to apply the requirements to parcels coming from Macau.