Today, President Donald Trump’s order ending the “de minimis “ exemption for low-value imports takes effect, meaning that goods worth $800 or less are no longer exempt from tariffs. Before President Trump began his second term in January, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had proposed a rule to lower the de minimis exemption, stating that it was unfair to American businesses.
The Tariff Act of 1930 had allowed Americans to avoid tariffs and taxes on imports that were valued at $200 or less. In 2016, President Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which raised the threshold to $800, making it one of the highest in the world.
The imports of foreign goods rose sharply thereafter, from 139 million in 2015 to 1.36 billion in 2024, according to CBP. The agency stated, “This exponential increase has created challenges for CBP’s effective enforcement of U.S. trade laws, health and safety requirements, intellectual property rights, and consumer protection rules.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for President Trump as he seeks to increase national security and strengthen the economy for American businesses.
- For Commissioner Rodney Scott to receive God’s direction as he heads Customs and Border Protection.
- For Secretary Lutnick to seek the Lord as he oversees the Department of Commerce.
