U.S. Shoppers Will Be Hit As ‘De Minimis’ Tariff Exemption Ends

UNITED STATES – The U.S. has ended a long-standing trade loophole that let millions of small packages enter duty-free.

Starting Friday imports worth $800 dollars or less will face tariffs and stricter customs checks.

Last year alone nearly 1.4 billion packages worth more than $64 billion dollars came in under what’s called the De Minimis Exemption.

The move is expected to hit small businesses and online shoppers hard with higher prices, shipping delays, and fewer options.

The White House says ending the rule will curb smuggling including Fentanyl, and add $10 billion dollars a year to U.S. revenue.

However critics call it “political theatre,” warning it could cripple niche markets and disrupt global e-commerce.