“United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday applied tariffs to low-value imports from all trading partners. The move, made in an executive order, will become effective on Aug. 29 and apply to all goods valued at or under US$800 that previously qualified for the tax-free treatment, according to a White House fact sheet.

Trump’s order effectively suspends the so-called de minimis exemption for tariffs on small-value packages, applying fresh duties to online retailers that ship directly to U.S. consumers.

The administration is maintaining exemptions allowing U.S. travelers to bring back as much as US$200 in personal items and permitting individuals to continue receiving “bona fide gifts” valued at US$100 or less duty-free. But the change will apply to “any shipment of articles” regardless of their value, country of origin, mode of transportation or method of entry, Trump said in his executive order.”

The Financial Post