Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strike targets vehicle on Zahrani - Tyre Highway.
Israeli media: Israeli Prime Minister's Office: The security cabinet has approved Netanyahu's proposal on Gaza.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: The Lebanese Council of Ministers approved the general objectives of the US paper unanimously by the ministers who remained in the session.
Hezbollah, Amal Movement ministers withdraw from the Lebanese cabinet session as it discusses the proposal of US envoy Tom Barrack.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: An Israeli drone bombed a car in the town of Kfardan in the Baalbek district.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent: An Israeli raid targeted the outskirts of the town of al-Qatrani, Jezzine District
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent: Israeli warplanes launch a raid targeting the vicinity of the Burguz area
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in southern Lebanon: An Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of Jbaa in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in southern Lebanon: An Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the town of Ansar
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in southern Lebanon: Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on the al-Mahmoudiyah area

US to cut 'de minimis' tariff on China shipments to 54% from 120%

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 13 May 2025 11:29
3 Min Read

The US reduces its de minimis tariff on China shipments from 120% to 54% and keeps a $100 flat fee, following a trade truce with Beijing.

Listen
  • x
  • Trader Daniel Kryger works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
    Trader Daniel Kryger works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

The United States is set to reduce the de minimis tariff on China shipments from 120% to 54%, while retaining a $100 flat fee, according to a White House executive order issued Monday.

The updated policy will take effect at 12:01 am (0401 GMT) on May 14, 2025.

This revision alters an earlier order by the Trump administration, which had planned to impose a flat $200 duty or a 120% tariff starting in June. The change affects shipments valued up to $800 sent via postal services, which previously benefited from minimal inspections and duty-free status.

New tariff rate set at 54% with $100 flat fee

The White House confirmed that the planned $200 flat fee has been shelved, and the current $100 fee will remain in place. This adjustment is part of a broader reevaluation of trade policy following complaints that the old system was exploited by foreign retailers and traffickers.

In February, US President Donald Trump had eliminated the de minimis exemption, citing concerns over e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu and the flow of illicit goods, including fentanyl. His administration imposed a 120% tax on the proposed $200 flat fee, which has now been rolled back.

Related News

India halts US arms deals as tariff clash strains ties: Reuters

India, Brazil push back against US tariffs amid BRICS discussions

The tariff reduction follows the announcement of a US-China trade truce, with both sides agreeing to dismantle most of the tariffs imposed since early April. The development signals a significant de-escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Impact on Shein, Temu, and Amazon

Companies like Temu, Shein, and Amazon, major users of the de minimis exemption, have not commented on the revised order. The exemption enabled them to ship low-value items directly to US consumers without facing duties, contributing to a surge in tax-free imports.

More than 90% of all packages entering the US have used the de minimis channel, with about 60% originating from China. This has raised alarms about unfair competition and insufficient oversight.

The de minimis rule, first introduced in 1938, has come under bipartisan scrutiny in the US.

Lawmakers from both major US parties argue that the policy enables an influx of low-cost Chinese goods that undercut American manufacturers, while it has been cited as a cover for fentanyl smuggling and the importation of other illicit substances.

On Monday, the United States and China agreed to significantly reduce tariffs on each other’s goods, marking a breakthrough in a years-long trade war that has disrupted global supply chains and intensified economic uncertainty.

The announcement came following a round of high-level negotiations in Geneva, the first in-person talks since Trump returned to office.

Under the new US-China tariff deal, both sides will implement a 90-day pause on new trade measures and lower existing tariffs from over 100% to 10%.

“This is a step toward balanced trade and mutual economic stability,” said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking alongside US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and “Both countries represented their national interest very well."

  • US tariffs
  • United States
  • Beijing
  • Washington
  • trade war
  • China

Most Read

Shiekh Naim Qassem giving a speech commemorating the anniversay of martyr Mohammed Saeed Izadi, August 5, 2025, in Lebanon

Sheikh Qassem threatens 'Israel', warns against foreign intervention

  • Politics
  • 5 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
Hezbollah says disarming Resistance is a blow to Lebanon’s sovereignty

Hezbollah to overlook cabinet decision; Amal urges corrective approach

  • Politics
  • 6 Aug 2025
Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A resident walks next to a mural painting glorifying six Palestinian prisoners who tunneled out of Gilboa Prison almost two weeks ago, and were arrested by Israeli forces, in Gaza City, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. (AP)
Politics

Palestinian prisoners electrocuted, abused in 'Israel's' Gilboa prison

In this courtroom sketch, Ghislaine Maxwell enters the courtroom escorted by U.S. Marshalls at the start of her trial, on November 29, 2021, in New York
Politics

Epstein Case a 'mirror of American power': Counterpunch

Raed Salem Aslyieh hugs his relatives after the death of his son, Ahmed Raed Aslyieh, 18, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an Israeli strike that killed eight other family members, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Aug. 6, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Democrats' slow shift on Gaza; symbolic or a step forward?: NYT

China accuses Philippines of 'playing with fire' on Taiwan
Asia Pacific

China accuses Philippines of 'playing with fire' on Taiwan

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS