The U.S. rapid-fire trade offensive

Under President Donald J. Trump’s second term, the U.S. has launched its most aggressive trade campaign yet, threatening close allies, dramatically escalating tariffs on China and ending longstanding privileges for low-value imports.

What began in February 2025 with a modest 10% duty on Chinese imports has morphed into a full-blown trade offensive. After months of tit-for-tat tariff increases between Washington and Beijing, the Trump administration unveiled a final 125% tariff rate on all goods from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, effective 10 April. These duties come in addition to existing Section 301 tariffs, creating a total duty burden for many importers of around 145%.

De Minimis ends for China and Hong Kong

From 2 May 2025, the de minimis threshold - which exempts imports under $800 from duties and taxes - will no longer apply to shipments from China or Hong Kong. Instead, these low-value goods will be subject to a 120% duty and a $100 postal processing fee, which will double to $200 per parcel starting 1 June.

The shift in de minimis treatment began with a surprise announcement on 1 February, when the administration declared its intention to eliminate the exemption for China. Enforcement began just three days later on 4 February, but was quickly halted on 5 February due to significant postal delays, customs congestion, and backlash from logistics providers.

However, with new executive orders issued on 8 and 9 April, the administration reasserted its commitment to ending de minimis benefits for Chinese-origin goods—and raised the penalties significantly. In addition to duties, the postal fees were revised upward from earlier plans that would have introduced a 30% tariff and $25–$50 fees.

Timeline: From initial duties to full tariff wall

1 Feb: White House announces plan to eliminate de minimis benefits for China.
4 Feb: First new tariff layer: 10% on Chinese and Hong Kong imports, with no exclusions or drawback options.
5 Feb: Rollback of the de minimis change following significant customs delays and USPS disruptions.
4 Mar: Tariff on China doubled to 20%.
2 Apr: President Trump unveils a 34% reciprocal tariff on 60 countries, including a baseline 10% duty (excluding China).
5 Apr: 10% baseline tariff goes into effect for all targeted countries, with China facing higher rates.
8 Apr: After Beijing retaliates, U.S. raises China-specific tariff to 84% and increases de minimis-related duties.
9 Apr: China tariff raised again to 125%; new executive order sets de minimis duty for China at 120%.
10 Apr: Full 125% tariff becomes effective at 00:01 ET.
2 May: End of de minimis for China and Hong Kong. New duties and postal fees apply.
1 June: Postal fee increases for low-value shipments from China.
9 July: Reciprocal tariffs in force

If you’d like to understand how these tariff and de minimis changes could affect your supply chain, assess your exposure, or explore strategic alternatives, we’re here to help. With a strong U.S. presence and deep expertise in North American trade flows, Logicall is well-positioned to support you.

Make informed, compliant, and cost-effective decisions with guidance from our trade and customs experts. Get in touch with us today to start the conversation.