The U.S. has officially ended its $800 de minimis tariff exemption for imports, effective today, Friday, August 29, 2025. All incoming packages, regardless of value or origin, will now incur standard duties, according to a report by Reuters.
This significant policy shift marks a departure from a long-standing exemption that allowed low-value imports to enter the country duty-free. The change is expected to affect millions of packages each year, impacting both consumers and businesses that rely on affordable imports.
The de minimis exemption has been in place for years, facilitating e-commerce and cross-border trade. However, the decision to eliminate it aligns with broader efforts by the U.S. government to adjust trade policies and increase revenue from imports. Similar situations have unfolded recently, such as when EU moves to eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods, showcasing a global shift in trade dynamics.
This new duty structure is anticipated to raise costs for consumers and may lead to increased prices for various goods. Businesses that import products from overseas will need to reassess their pricing strategies in light of these new tariffs, which could further impact the economy in the coming months.
