• The de minimis trade rule, allowing low-value imports without tariffs, is being suspended starting Friday.
• Shoppers are expected to see price increases due to additional import taxes ranging from $80 to $200.
• The policy change has been criticized for impacting small businesses and reducing product variety.
• International shipping services are suspending U.S. deliveries while adjusting to new customs requirements.
• Experts predict significant changes in consumer behavior as online shopping landscapes evolve.

The U.S. is set to suspend the de minimis trade exemption that has allowed duty-free import of goods valued at $800 or less, starting Friday. This law, around for nearly nine decades, has significantly benefited online shoppers seeking low-cost foreign goods. The suspension follows an executive order by President Trump aimed at addressing concerns about U.S. businesses and product safety, amid claims that the exemption facilitates the entry of unsafe or illegal goods. In 2024, 1.36 billion packages entered the U.S. duty-free, amounting to over $64 billion, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection information cited by multiple sources including NPR, Los Angeles Times, and BBC.

This change is expected to result in pricing adjustments across various consumer goods. Items imported from abroad will now incur additional duties and tariffs, leading to potential price hikes on everyday products. Experts suggest that the costs associated with shipping and customs compliance may force some smaller sellers to increase their prices or limit their offerings, as many have relied on the de minimis exemption to operate competitively. The executive order signifies a heightened focus on evaluating the safety and legality of goods entering the U.S., which may impact consumer habits significantly, as noted by Los Angeles Times and BBC.

Small businesses and niche retailers stand to be adversely affected by this policy shift. The logistical challenges presented by increased customs documentation may hinder their ability to offer diverse products as they adapt to the new rules. For instance, brands like Zou Xou are expressing concerns about how to manage the costs associated with new customs processes and the potential need for pricing adjustments, echoing sentiments shared by other retailers facing similar hurdles. As noted by the NPR and BBC, these changes come too rapidly for some sellers already caught up in complex international trade dynamics.

With international postal services reacting to the changes, many are pausing shipments to the U.S. until they re-evaluate their processes in line with the new compliance requirements. This includes carriers in several countries such as Japan and Switzerland, who have temporarily halted services as they anticipate the impact of altered tariff structures. The trade adjustments have raised concerns among consumers who may experience delays in receiving international shipments, which could affect seasonal purchases and regular online shopping patterns, as stated by sources from the Los Angeles Times and BBC.

Consumers are encouraged to prepare for shifts in shipping fees and product availability as the de minimis change takes effect. Experts suggest that the removal of this trade exemption will likely lead to a reevaluation of purchasing habits, especially among those accustomed to shopping for low-cost goods online. To navigate this transition, shoppers might need to weigh the benefits of purchasing domestically against the costs associated with imported goods going forward, as echoed by insights from NPR, Los Angeles Times, and BBC.