In a move shaking up the global trade scene, the US administration ended the duty-free rule for low-value imports on May 2. Goods valued at $800 or less from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will no longer be exempt from duties. For years, up to 4 million parcels per day entered the US hassle-free under this rule.
This sudden policy shift is causing a ripple effect: disrupted supply chains, steep price hikes, and customs delays that are already being felt. Major e-commerce platforms are restructuring their logistics, raising product prices, and ramping up local US warehouse operations to counter the new costs. Some foreign sellers have paused US shipments, and smaller businesses are even choosing to exit the market. 💸🚚
Reports indicate that on some platforms, prices have shot up by over 100%, sparking a wave of social media complaints about shipping delays. Even remarks from US leadership hint at a future with fewer and more expensive consumer products – a scenario where US kids might get two dolls instead of 30, at a slightly higher cost. 😲
As businesses and consumers brace for these changes, the trade landscape is set for a dynamic transformation. Will this be the spark for innovative logistics solutions or just the beginning of a bumpy ride for global commerce? Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!
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Price hikes, customs chaos expected as U.S. ends duty-free imports
cgtn.com
