News Advisories

New Tariffs & Chinese De Minimis Explained

Apr 3, 2025 | News Advisories

Yesterday the U.S. government announced new reciprocal tariffs on imports from several countries, starting at a minimum of 10%. We want to ensure you have the latest information to support your business. These new trade policy changes will come into effect in April and May 2025 and include:

New Reciprocal Tariffs (full executive order can be found here)

  • 10% Baseline Tariff that applies to almost all imports to the U.S. with some exclusions. This will go into effect April 5, 2025, at 12:01am ET.
  • Reciprocal Country-Specific Tariffs: Higher tariffs on imports from specific countries. You can read the specific countries and rates here. This will go into effect April 9, 2025, at 12:01am ET.
  • Exclusions from above tariffs include
    • Items already covered under Section 232: steel, aluminum, automobiles, and auto parts
    • Humanitarian goods: Food, medicine (per 50 USC 1702(b))
    • Copper, semiconductors, lumber
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Precious metals
    • Energy and critical minerals not available in the U.S.
  • Canada and Mexico remain unchanged
    • USMCA-compliant goods: 0% tariff
    • Non-USMCA goods: 25% tariff
    • Non-USMCA energy/potash: 10% tariff

End of De Minimis for China and Hong Kong will go into effect May 2, 2025 (full executive order can be found here)

  • All non-postal shipments valued at $800 or less from China and Hong Kong to U.S. will now require full customs entry and will be subject to all applicable duties.
  • Postal Network: Starting May 2, 2025 a duty of 30% or $25 per item. Then on June 2, 2025 it increases to $50 per item.
  • Carriers: Are required to submit shipment information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Maintain an international carrier bond to guarantee duty payment. Remit duties to CBP according to a specified schedule.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection may require formal entry for any postal shipment coming to the U.S.

We’re here to help! If your business imports goods from the countries listed, these changes may impact total costs, customs procedures, and supply chain planning. We recommend reviewing your import and export strategies and staying informed about these changes to mitigate potential impacts on your operations. Reach out to your Mallory Alexander representative or our M-PACT team for further assistance.

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