What Closing a De Minimis Loophole on Tariffs Means: QuickTake

A Latin term that’s been little-known outside the world of customs brokers has suddenly become the stuff of headlines. Along with imposing new 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports as of Feb. 4, US President Donald Trump suspended his country’s special rules for “de minimis” merchandise from China and Hong Kong. The phrase — which loosely translates as “too small to matter” — refers to small packages that are shipped directly to consumers from abroad, usually bypassing warehouses and distribution hubs. Qualifying as de minimis comes with a huge perk: no customs declarations and no tariffs. While each de minimis ...