If you live in the United States and are hoping to receive a package from overseas, you may have a problem on your hands pretty soon. In July, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that appeared to ban the use of this de minimis option. Postal companies have paused services for the time being, reporting that they aren't sure how the specifics of the order affect them and did not have time to respond.
For those that don't know the "de minimis" trade agreement it refers to Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows the secretary of the Treasury to waive some duties or fees where it is more inconvenient to collect the tax than the revenue would be worth. In practice, the policy allowed companies to ship low-value packages worth less than $800 in to the U.S. duty-free. In 2024, de minimis shipments coming into the United States were valued at more than $1.36 billion, according to Customs and Border Protection.
Many postal services will continue to mail letters to the US. Letters and personal gifts under $100 will still technically be exempt from tariffs. Postal services have told customers US deliveries will be suspended indefinitely until they have developed alternative systems.
Critics of de minimis say the exemption has made it too easy to let "drugs and unwanted goods" enter the United States. However, I think this sudden change leaves consumers, small businesses, and international sellers caught in limbo. While the intent may be to curb illegal imports and protect domestic industries, the practical effect is a sharp disruption of global e-commerce and everyday trade. Until postal carriers and logistics companies establish clear alternatives, anyone waiting on overseas packages may face long delays—or no delivery at all. What was once a seamless way to connect U.S. buyers with the rest of the world has now become uncertain, reminding us how quickly policy shifts can ripple through the global economy.
Let me know your thoughts or if you have had shipping issues?