Trump Moves to End $800 Duty-Free Loophole on Small International Packages
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Gig workers who resell imported goods — such as those running small e-commerce shops on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon — will face higher costs on imported inventory. Many gig-economy resellers sourced low-cost items from overseas duty-free under the old de minimis rule. Those margins will shrink significantly with new duties on every shipment.
Hours after a Supreme Court rebuke, the White House announced that the end of the de minimis exemption—allowing low-value imports to enter tax-free—will remain in place. Trump cited national emergencies and the flow of synthetic opioids as reasons to continue taxing small parcels globally.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that the suspension of the de minimis exemption for low-value imports remains in effect. The move coincides with new 10% global tariffs under Section 122, intended to replace previous levies invalidated by the Supreme Court.
In his address, Trump claimed tariff revenue from ending the de minimis exemption would help replace income taxes. However, economists note that these tariffs are largely paid by U.S. firms and consumers, and the revenue generated is a small fraction of what is needed to fund the government.
Document Type
Executive Order
Official Title
Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries
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