New Tariffs and the End of De Minimis

On 2 April 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, targeting approximately 60 countries, with China singled out for the most severe action. In response to retaliatory tariffs from Beijing, the United States escalated its own duties, ultimately imposing a 125% tariff on all imports from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, in addition to previously existing tariffs.

While the White House has not made extensive public statements on the topic of de minimis imports – the long-standing policy allowing goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free – key guidance released on 2 and 8 April confirms that this exemption will soon be withdrawn for goods from China and Hong Kong.

Escalation of U.S. Tariffs on China
The first of the new tariffs took effect on 4 February 2025, when a 10% duty was introduced on top of the existing Section 301 tariffs. This was increased to 20% on 4 March, and then, on 2 April, President Trump announced a 34% reciprocal tariff, which included a new 10% baseline tariff applicable to all countries starting 5 April.

However, after China retaliated with increased tariffs on U.S. exports, the White House raised the China-specific tariff to 84% on 8 April, and then to a staggering 125% on 9 April. 

This final rate became effective at 00:01 ET on 10 April. These duties are stackable, meaning that in many cases, importers will face a total duty burden of around 145%, factoring in earlier Section 301 tariffs and the new reciprocal tariffs.

De Minimis Policy Changes for Chinese Imports
The de minimis exemption, which allows shipments valued at or below $800 USD to enter the United States without duties or import taxes, is being formally eliminated for goods originating from China and Hong Kong, effective 2 May 2025 at 00:01 ET.

This change follows a period of confusion that began on 1 February, when the White House first announced the end of de minimis for Chinese-origin shipments. 

Implementation on 4 February resulted in significant logistical disruptions, including a temporary halt in parcel acceptance by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The policy was reversed just one day later, on 5 February, to give U.S. authorities time to prepare for full enforcement.

Now, with updated executive orders on 8 April and 9 April, the de minimis exemption will definitively end for China and Hong Kong on 2 May. The administration is also considering extending these rules to Macau.

Starting on that date, goods valued under $800 from China and Hong Kong will be subject to a duty calculated at 120% of the item’s value, and a postal fee of $100 per package. 

The postal fee will rise to $200 on 1 June 2025. These amounts were increased from earlier planned levels of 30% duty and $25/$50 postal fees through the two April executive orders.

Additionally, the exemption will no longer apply to low-value goods shipped through couriers or freight companies—not just postal shipments—ensuring broad application across all shipping channels.

What’s Next?
While the de minimis threshold remains in place for most other countries, both the White House and members of Congress are reportedly reviewing broader changes to this policy. 

For now, the key changes apply specifically to China and Hong Kong, but the political momentum suggests the U.S. may tighten or eliminate de minimis privileges more broadly in the near future.

TIMELINE: Tariffs on China
1 Feb Trump announces elimination of de minimis for China (initially).
4 Feb 10% tariff imposed on Chinese and Hong Kong imports. No drawback or exclusion process.
5 Feb De minimis reinstated temporarily due to USPS overload and customs issues.
4 Mar Tariff on China doubled to 20%.
2 Apr Trump announces 34% reciprocal tariff on 60 countries, starting with China.
5 Apr New baseline 10% reciprocal tariff applies to all countries (excl China).
8 Apr After China retaliates, U.S. increases China tariff to 84%; raises de minimis duty to 90%.
9 Apr Tariff on China raised to 125%. De minimis duty rises to 120%.
10 Apr 125% China tariff becomes effective.
2 May End of de minimis for China and Hong Kong. New duties and postal fees apply.
1 June Postal fee increases for low-value shipments from China.

If you’d like to review any potential impact of tariffs on your supply chain, assess your exposure, or explore strategic options, we’re here to help. Metro is well-placed to support you, backed by our expanded US footprint and strong focus on North American trade flows.

Make informed decisions with Metro’s compliance and regulatory insights. EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.