The Trump administration has decided to delay the suspension of the de minimis provision, which permits packages valued at less than $800 to enter the United States duty-free. This delay will remain in effect until the Commerce Department can establish adequate systems to efficiently process and collect tariff revenue, as per a recent executive action announced on Friday.
The executive order did not specify the duration of this delay, leaving uncertainty about when the provision might be suspended.
This development holds significant implications, particularly for Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Aliexpress, as well as products shipped from major retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy that originate from China.
Chinese e-commerce companies have structured their business models around this exemption, leveraging the relaxed regulations and tax benefits on inexpensive goods. This provision has facilitated the influx of over a billion packages containing affordable clothing, household items, and various other products for consumers seeking budget-friendly deals.
