From May 14, 2025, the United States will reduce the tariff on low-cost goods from China from 120% to 54%. The corresponding decision is enshrined in the new decree of the US President Donald Trump, informs Reuters.
The changes relate to the so-called “de minimis” mechanism, which allowed goods worth up to $800 to be imported into the country without paying customs duties and with minimal customs control. This rule has been heavily exploited by major Chinese online sites such as Temu and Shein, as well as by purveyors of banned substances, including fentanyl. Currently, more than 90% of all mail to the US comes under the de minimis scheme, and about 60% of that comes from China.
American politicians from both parties have long expressed concern about the practice, seeing it as a “loophole” that facilitates the mass importation of cheap Chinese imports, undermining local producers and facilitating smuggling. The $100 flat fee remains in place for now, although it was previously slated to rise to $200 starting in June.
The measures were part of a new trade agreement between the US and China, which provides for a temporary reduction in tariff rates by 115 percentage points. After the reduction of customs tariffs, the parties agreed to create a mechanism for further consultations on economic and trade relations. China will be represented at these talks by Vice Premier He Lifeng, and the US will be represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
