A significant shift in U.S. trade policy has come into effect, ending the long-standing exemption from import tariffs for low-value packages shipped into the country. Previously, international shipments valued under $800 could enter the U.S. market without incurring customs duties, a policy that particularly benefited online retailers and allowed consumers to purchase lower-cost goods from abroad without additional fees.
However, changes recently introduced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have revoked this practice for certain countries and are part of a broader effort to close perceived loopholes in trade and address the rising concern over foreign e-commerce competitors, particularly those based in China. Authorities argue that some international sellers were exploiting the threshold to flood the U.S. market with inexpensive goods, undermining domestic manufacturers and retailers.
Consumers are already feeling the impact. Many online shoppers report experiencing unexpected price increases at checkout, as platforms now include additional duty and handling fees. The change is also prompting some customers to limit international purchases or redirect their spending toward domestic sellers to avoid unpredictability and higher costs.
International retailers—especially fast-fashion and electronics companies—face the challenge of either absorbing the new tariffs or passing the costs onto consumers, potentially making their offerings less competitive in the American market. E-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, which primarily ship from Asia and heavily depend on bulk low-cost shipments, may reconsider aspects of their supply chains or explore setting up distribution centers within the U.S. to mitigate the impact.
Meanwhile, U.S. retailers and trade associations have largely welcomed the change. Many argue it creates a more level playing field by ensuring all sellers adhere to the same import duty standards regardless of their location. The move also supports American jobs and manufacturing by encouraging customers to buy domestically.
Overall, this shift in policy underscores the tightening of U.S. trade regulations amid an increasingly competitive global retail landscape. Both consumers and international businesses may need to adapt quickly as the cost and flow of global commerce continue to evolve.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
