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The US ended a tariff exemption for low-value imports, impacting shipments from many countries. This exemption, allowing goods under $800 to enter tax-free, was deemed a 'catastrophic loophole' by the White House, used to evade tariffs and import illegal goods. While a six-month transition period with a flat duty is in place, the change aims to increase tariff revenue by $10 billion annually and curb the flow of narcotics. The decision significantly affects retailers like Shein and Temu, who previously relied on this exemption to ship inexpensive products from China and Hong Kong.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.