Bye-bye cheap packages from China? The de-minimis rule in the USA is history-which means for e-commerce-Image: Xpert.digital
De-minimis-out: Why your next bargain from overseas could become much more expensive
DE-Minimis rule abolished-small change, big effect: How the package stop hits the US consumers and changes global trade
An inconspicuous process, stopping the acceptance of packages from China and Hong Kong through the US Post (USPS), is of far-reaching importance. What appears at first glance like an administrative measure is actually a symptom of a profound shift in global trade relationships and a targeted blow to the booming e-commerce sector. The increasingly popular platforms such as Temu, Shein and Aliexpress are the focus of this new trade policy.
The reasons for the package stop: a pliers made from customs, logistics and political calculation
The decision of the USPs not to accept parcels from China and Hong Kong is the result of an interaction of different factors that reinforce each other:
The end of the duty-free limit: a turnaround in the online trade
A central reason for the package stop is to abolish the so-called de-minimis rule, a previous exception that enabled the duty-free and largely uncontrolled import of packages below a value of $ 800. This regulation was a door opener for Chinese e-commerce companies that used them intensively to send inexpensive goods directly to US consumers. It is estimated that over three million such packages came from China alone every day. The elimination of this duty -free limit now means that each individual package is subjected to a customs check, which leads to considerable delays and additional costs.
Penal tariffs as an escalation level in the trade war
The introduction of flat -rate punitive tariffs to Chinese imports, including small disposal, represents another escalation level in the trade conflict. President Trump initially imposed an inch of 10 % to all Chinese imports, which was later even increased. In addition, it was ordered that each package must contain detailed customs declarations and tariff codes, which increases the bureaucratic effort and costs for dealers and consumers alike. This measure is part of an already tense trade conflict, which was additionally fueled by China's counter-duties on US energy products and agricultural machinery.
Logistic overload: a system on the limit
The USPS system had brought the flood of cheap packages from China to its load limit before the package stop. The elimination of the duty-free limit would have made a manual review of all programs necessary, which would simply have exceeded the capacities of the US post. The already existing bottlenecks in the logistics infrastructure, especially at the ports and customs offices, would have further exacerbated.
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The consequences for consumers and companies: a domino effect with far -reaching consequences
The decision of the USPs not to accept packages from China and Hong Kong has a number of immediate and long -term consequences for consumers, companies and the entire economy:
Delivery delays and rising prices: The dream of buying cheap purchase bursts
Consumers who regularly buy on platforms such as Shein and Temu have to prepare for longer delivery times and higher prices. The additional costs for customs processing and alternative logistics partners such as DHL and Fedex are inevitably passed on to consumers. The dream of buying cheap China could soon be a thing of the past.
Living threat to US small companies: When the supply chain tears off
Many US small companies are dependent on Chinese supply chains to produce or move into their products. The package stop and the higher tariffs are an existential threat to these companies because they increase their production costs and impair their competitiveness.
A blow against e-commerce: online trading in transition
The package stop and the new tariffs hit the booming e-commerce sector hard. Platforms such as Temu, Shein and Aliexpress based on the direct shipping of cheap goods from China are faced with new challenges. You have to adapt your business models and search for alternatives to reach your customers in the USA.
The return of inflation: expensive shopping basket, thinner wallet
The increasing prices for import goods from China contribute to inflation and reduce the purchasing power of US consumers. In times of high price increases, this represents an additional burden for many households.
Alternative shipping methods: A look at the possibilities and challenges
Since the temporary setting of the package acceptance from China by the US mail, US consumers have had to fall back on alternative shipping methods. But what options are there and what challenges are associated with it?
Direct shipping options for Chinese platforms: the detour via agents and air freight
Taobao agent: One possibility is the use of mediation services that process orders on Taobao, who manage logistics and offer English-language support. These agencies take over the customs formalities and send the goods via express services such as DHL or Fedex.
Official logistics from Taobao: The platform offers limited direct shipping options by air or sea freight, but this usually requires Chinese language skills and a local account.
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International courier services: Fast shipping, higher costs
Express shipping via DHL/UPS/FEDEX: For packages of up to 150 kg, express shipping is a relatively inexpensive (approx. 5 USD/kg) and fast (3–5 days) option. Larger programs from 150 kg can be sent by air freight (1–5 days) or sea freight (15–40 days).
Advantages: Reliable shipment tracking and simplified customs processing are the biggest advantages of this option.
Third logistics providers (Freight Forwarder): Experts for complex logistics solutions
- LCL/FCL-Seefracht: For large programs, the sea freight is a cost-efficient alternative (from $ 2,500 per container). LCL (Less Than Container Load) is suitable for part -container loads, while FCL (Full Container Load) is used for full container loads.
- Tower-to-door services: Providers such as Honor Ocean or Luckystar Logistics take care of the entire logistics, from collection to customs processing to the last mile. The prices are usually $ 5–10/kg at air freight.
Adjustments to the purchasing strategy: Local warehouse and bulk orders
- Platforms with local US warehouse: Some dealers were stored in the United States to avoid delivery times and customs risks.
- Ordering consolidation: Several items can be bundled via Forwarder to save costs.
Challenges and stumbling blocks: customs regulations and delays
New customs regulations: Since February 2025, the customs exemption for shipments under $ 800 has been eliminated, in particular with low -cost platforms such as Temu and Shein.
Delays: Due to customs controls and harbor overloads, the delivery time can extend by days or even weeks.
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The effects on US consumers: price increase, inflation pressure and loss of purchasing power
The introduction of customs surcharges by the US government has immediate and noticeable effects on consumers in the USA:
Price increase in import goods: Everyday life is becoming more expensive
Everyday products such as electronics, household goods and clothing from China are more expensive due to the additional tariffs. Cheap platforms such as Temu and Shein are particularly affected, which previously benefited from the customs exemption for packages under $ 800. The higher prices for imported goods put a strain on the budget of consumers and restrict their purchasing power.
Cars: The dream of the new car becomes more expensive
The 25 % tariffs on vehicles from Mexico and Canada could increase new car prices by an average of $ 3,000. German manufacturers such as VW that produce in Mexico are directly affected. The higher prices for new cars make it difficult for consumers to afford a new car.
Energy and food: daily shopping becomes luxury
Oil and gas prices rise to Canadian energy imports through 10 % tariffs, while Mexican agricultural products such as vegetables are loaded with 25 %. The higher prices for energy and food particularly make low -income households hard.
Inflation pressure and loss of purchasing power: Inflation eats the income
Inflation could increase by 0.8–1.0 percentage points in 2025, which means further loads at high price increases. The de-minimis control for small shipments below 800 USD is eliminated, which means that even cheap online orders from China are now subject to customs fees. The increasing inflation reduces consumers' purchasing power and means that they can afford less.
The fear of the "Shrinkflation"
Many companies react to rising costs by reducing the package sizes, but maintaining the price. This trick known as "Shrinkflation" enables manufacturers to keep the official inflation rate low, while consumers in fact get less for their money.
Indirect consequences through trade conflicts: a complex network of dependencies
The direct effects of customs policy on consumers are reinforced by a number of indirect consequences that result from the global trade conflicts:
Counter tariffs: a vicious circle of price increases
China's counter-duties on US exports such as coal (+15 %) and oil (+10 %) continue to drive prices for raw materials in the USA. These price increases are then passed on to consumers, which leads to even higher prices for goods and services.
Lief chain disorders: If goods are no longer available
Delays from customs controls and port bottlenecks could affect the availability of goods. If goods cannot be delivered in time, this can lead to production failures and bottlenecks, which in turn drives prices up.
The "Bullwhip effect": an amplifier of uncertainty
In complex supply chains there can be a "bullwhip effect". Small fluctuations in demand at the consumer level lead to ever larger fluctuations in the order quantities of the upstream suppliers. This uncertainty can lead to unnecessary inventory and price volatility.
Long -term risks: recession, job losses and a global trade war
Protectionist trading policy harbors a number of long-term risks for the US economy and global stability:
Royal risk: a downward spiral for the economy
There are warnings of the Recession of the US tariffs before slipping from Canada and Mexico, which would destabilize the North American market. A recession in North America would have devastating consequences for the global economy.
Loss of workplace: The automotive industry in sight
The automotive industry expects additional costs of $ 60 billion through the tariffs, which could lead to relocations and job reduction. The loss of jobs in the automotive industry would have far -reaching social and economic consequences.
A global trade war: the escalation of the tensions
The Protectionist trading policy of the United States could trigger a global trade war that further exacerbates the economic consequences. A trade war would disturb the global supply chains, reduce investments and slow down economic growth.
The fragmentation of the global economy
The increase in protectionist measures could lead to a fragmentation of the global economy. Instead of a global market, regional blocks are created that act less with each other. This would reduce the efficiency of the global economy and limit growth potential.
The reactions of companies: adaptation, relocation or task?
Companies worldwide have to adapt to the new reality. Some strategies that you consider are:
- Relocation of production: Companies could move their production from China to other countries to avoid tariffs.
- Adjustment of the supply chains: Companies could diversify their supply chains and make less dependent on individual suppliers.
- Price increases: Companies could pass on the higher costs to consumers.
- Innovation and increase in efficiency: Companies could try to reduce their costs through innovation and increasing efficiency.
- Task of the US market: Some companies could be forced to give up the US market.
The political dimension: a trade war as a game game
The United States' trade policy is not only an economic, but also a political matter. It is part of a greater power game between the USA and China, which deals with economic, technological and geopolitical dominance.
A turning point for global trade
The package stop and the new tariffs mark a turning point for global trade. They are a symptom of growing protectionism and an increasing distrust between the great economic nations. The US consumers carry the main burden of this policy through direct price increases, increased inflation and unsafe supply situations. The measures could also trigger a global trade war that further exacerbates the economic consequences. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming years and whether it will be possible to find a constructive solution in the trade conflict between the USA and China. However, it is clear that global trade relationships have been changed sustainably.
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