U.S. to cut 'de minimis' tariff on China shipments to 54% from 120%
The Hindu
US cuts China tariff to 54% from 120%, with $100 flat fee, effective May 14, 2025, amid trade war truce.
The United States would cut the low value "de minimis" tariff on China shipments to 54% from 120%, with a flat fee of $100 to remain, starting from May 14, 2025, modifying an earlier order imposed by Washington, a White House executive order said on Monday (May 12, 2025).
The move comes several hours after Beijing and Washington announced a truce in their trade war, with both sides agreeing to unwind most of the tariffs imposed on each other's goods since early April.
The de minimis exemption, for items valued at up to $800 and sent from China via postal services, was previously able to enter the United States duty free and with minimal inspections.
In February, President Donald Trump ended the de minimis exemption by imposing a tax of 120% of the package's value or a planned flat fee of $200 — set to come into effect by June — after it was heavily used by companies such as Shein, Temu and other e-commerce firms as well as traffickers of fentanyl and other illicit goods.
The number of shipments entering the U.S. through the tax-free channel exploded in recent years with more than 90% of all packages coming via de minimis. Of those, about 60% came from China, led by direct-to-consumer retailers such as Temu and Shein.
Temu, Shein and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In Monday's (May 12, 2025) order, the White House said it was amending 120% to 54% with the changes to take effect by 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on May 14, 2025 (Wednesday).
Saudi envoy claims Yemen's STC leader blocked a Saudi delegation's landing in Aden, halting flights at the international airport.
Pakistani archaeologists uncover rare coins and lapis lazuli at Taxila, shedding light on ancient Gandhara's urban civilization and trade.
China imposes taxes on condoms and contraceptives to combat declining birth rates amid ongoing population challenges.
Maduro expresses willingness to discuss U.S. drug trafficking negotiations but remains silent on recent CIA strikes in Venezuela.
Flash floods in Afghanistan kill 17, injure 11, and affect 1,800 families, damaging infrastructure and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Kim Jong Un praises North Korean troops in Russia, celebrating their alliance and urging bravery in a New Year's message.
From fireworks and street parties to quiet prayers and moments of remembrance, countries across the globe rang in New Year 2026 in strikingly different ways. Celebrations lit up cities from Pyongyang, Seoul and Beijing to Sydney, Rio, London and New York, while others marked the moment with tradition, reflection and tribute. A look at how the world ushered in the New Year as clocks struck midnight across continents.
Iran executed over 1,500 people in 2025, marking a 35-year high, according to the Iran Human Rights group.
Xi Jinping praises China's tech advancements and reaffirms intentions to annex Taiwan in his New Year’s Eve address.
Shorts News:Watch: Italians dive into Rome’s freezing Tiber to welcome the New Year
Explore tragic nightclub and bar fires throughout history, highlighting devastating incidents and their significant loss of life.
Shorts News:Watch: Historic Amsterdam church engulfed in flames over New Year’s
Sri Lanka Navy honors foreign vessels, including Indian ships, for vital disaster assistance after Cyclone Ditwah's devastation.