Online Shopping Costs Set to Soar as U.S. Ends Tariff Exemption on Imports Under $800

Americans who regularly shop online for overseas goods are bracing for major price hikes after the U.S. ended a decades-old tariff exemption.

For years, packages valued at less than $800 could enter the United States without paying an import tax under what was known as the “de minimis” rule. But that exemption expired just hours ago, and President Donald Trump has confirmed the change will be permanent.

The exemption made it easier for items like clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and home goods to flow into the U.S., fueling the growth of global e-commerce. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 1.36 billion shipments entered the country under the de minimis rule last year, with over 4 million parcels processed daily.

Under the new rules, tariffs will vary depending on the country of origin:

• Up to $80 per item for countries with tariffs below 16%

• Up to $160 per item for countries with tariffs between 16% and 25%

• Up to $200 per item for countries with tariffs above 25%

Countries like Brazil and India, which already face tariffs of around 50%, could see especially steep charges. Sellers may absorb some of these costs, but many are expected to pass them on to American consumers, raising the final price of imported goods.

The change has already caused disruptions. Postal services in countries including Japan, Australia, and across Europe have temporarily suspended shipments to the U.S. as they work to understand the new paperwork and payment processes required under the updated system.

For now, experts warn that late-night impulse buys from overseas retailers may not only cost more—but in some cases, may not arrive at all.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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