Where Do US Tariffs Stand Now? Your Guide to De Minimis, Postal Changes, and the Latest Import Rules

Questions about how 2025 tariffs will impact your e-commerce business? Contact us now. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

Register for our webinar to gain in-depth insights into tariff laws and learn actionable steps to navigate these changes.
Our event will feature expert cross-border tax lawyers as guest speakers. >>

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Last week felt like a whirlwind for anyone involved in US imports. With shifting policies, confusing updates, and a flood of questions, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck on a rollercoaster with no end in sight. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an e-commerce seller, a supply chain manager, or just someone trying to make sense of it all, this is your definitive guide to understanding the latest changes in US import regulations.

Let’s break it down step by step, so you can stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.

De Minimis: What You Need to Know

De Minimis offers tax savings for low-value shipments, but the rules are shifting depending on the country of origin. Here’s the latest:

• Canadian-origin goods: Usable until March 4, 2025
• Mexican-origin goods: Usable until March 4, 2025
• Chinese-origin goods: T86 entries are allowed for shipments containing China-origin and Hong Kong-origin goods

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Good news: You can resume using T-86 (duty-free, simple clearance) for all goods while De Minimis is under review. 

Tariffs: The Latest Updates

Tariffs are always a hot topic, and the landscape is evolving. Here’s what you need to know:

• Canadian-origin goods: Tariffs paused until March 4, 2025
• Mexican-origin goods: Tariffs paused until March 4, 2025
• Chinese-origin goods: 10% tariff on all dutiable goods until further notice unless exempt under de minimis.
• Aluminum and Steel articles: 25% tariff regardless of country of origin

Reciprocal tariffs are being proposed but haven’t been finalized yet. Stay tuned for updates.

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Postal Changes: What’s Happening with USPS?

If you rely on USPS for international shipments, here’s the latest:

• USPS is still accepting all international items.
• Formal entries are now required for parcels from China or Hong Kong until further notice.
• Hongkong Post has temporarily halted US-bound parcels.

If this affects your shipments, Contact us now. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions. These changes do not impact Portless’s shipping model.

Key Definitions to Keep in Mind

If you’re new to the world of imports, here are a few terms to bookmark:

• Country of origin (COO): The country where the article was manufactured, produced, or grown.
• “Chinese-origin products”: Items with COO China and COO Hong Kong, excluding commercial or non-commercial media and informational materials (plus a few other exceptions).
• Type 86: An entry type being tested by CBP for simple, quick clearance of low-value goods, commonly used for e-commerce.
• Type 11: Informal entry—allows payment of duties and tariffs, with a value cap of up to $2,500 (depending on COO).
• Type 01: Formal entry—the most complex entry type, allowing payment of duties and tariffs with no limit on declared value.

Why This Matters for Your Business

The import landscape is changing fast, and quality master data is going to be the key differentiator between businesses that thrive and those that struggle. Agility in your supply chain is no longer optional—it’s essential.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. We can help you navigate these changes in real time, ensuring compliance while maintaining supply chain efficiency. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us today. 

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If you have any questions about how 2025 tariffs and how they will affect your e-commerce business? Contact us now. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

Register for our webinar to gain in-depth insights into tariff laws and learn actionable steps to navigate these changes. Our event will feature expert cross-border tax lawyers as guest speakers. >>

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Our CEO Izzy Rosenzweig Featured in:

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