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De Minimis’: The Trade Perk Trump May End as China Tensions Rise, Explained

President Trump is considering changes to the US “de minimis” exemption on import tariffs, which has become controversial due to its role in trade imbalances and the rapid growth of Chinese e-commerce platforms.
A cargo vessel crosses the Suez Canal in Egypt, shortly after Yemen-based militants started attacking ships in the Red Sea along the crucial Asia-Europe trade route.
The US has used de minimis since 1938 to reduce administrative burdens. (Shutterstock)

President Donald Trump is considering changing a key US trade benefit to other nations, the “de minimis” exemption on import tariffs, as he accuses China of unfair trade practices and blames it for a crisis over the deadly drug fentanyl.

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