A major change in U.S. trade policy took effect on May 2, 2025: the removal of the de minimis exemption for shipments entering the U.S. from China and Hong Kong. This decision has significant implications not just for eCommerce consumers, but also for importers, manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers.
This policy shift is poised to reshape international eCommerce and create new opportunities for importers who are ready to adapt—with help from experienced logistics partners like Weber Logistics.
Before TFTEA, the threshold was only $200.
The de minimis loophole gave rise to the booming direct-to-consumer (DTC) model embraced by global players like Temu and Shein, who were able to ship cheap products directly to consumers via postal and parcel networks.
But starting May 2, those same low-value goods from China and Hong Kong will no longer be exempt from import taxes.
This change is part of a broader effort to encourage companies to move production from China to Southeast Asia or even back to North America.
According to Weber Logistics Chief Operating Officer, Maurice Joseph, this rule change won’t completely eliminate low-cost imports from China and Hong Kong—but it will almost certainly raise consumer prices and pressure supply chains that have grown dependent on high-volume, low-value DTC models.
Many consumers mistakenly assume the exporter will absorb these new duties. In fact, it’s the U.S. importer—which includes consumers making DTC purchases—who pays.
Temu and Shein have already announced price hikes for U.S. consumers.
“If you buy a $500 garment from Temu or Shein,” Joseph explains, “you’ll now see duty charges calculated at checkout, much like shipping and handling. These costs are passed directly to the buyer.”
Large retailers may be able to absorb or reallocate these costs by utilizing U.S.-based warehouses and fulfillment centers. However, smaller or mid-sized importers that rely on the de minimis model will face new challenges. They must either raise prices, shift supply chain strategies, or risk losing competitiveness.
Behind the scenes, the impact in China is real. Demand for Chinese-made goods is dropping. Manufacturers are shuttering factories, and steamship lines are canceling scheduled sailings—a trend known as “blank sailings”—because cargo volumes are too low to make the trips profitable.
“Vessels operate on schedules like buses or airlines,” says Joseph. “If orders aren’t there, they don’t sail. The number of blank sailings out of China right now is through the roof.”
These disruptions ripple across the entire supply chain, affecting lead times, inventory availability, and ultimately, consumer behavior.
With the end of de minimis on the horizon, importers are rethinking their logistics strategies—and that’s where Weber Logistics can provide a critical advantage.
Maurice Joseph notes that many companies may now choose to import in bulk, ship to domestic fulfillment centers, and handle final-mile delivery from U.S. soil. This not only reduces the per-unit tariff burden but also gives importers more control over costs, delivery times, and customer satisfaction.
West Coast Gateway Access
Weber operates near the busiest ports in North America—Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland—with expert drayage and transloading services that eliminate delays and reduce port congestion.
Scalable Warehousing Solutions
With a network of multi-client and dedicated warehouses across California and the West Coast, Weber provides retail-compliant, temperature-controlled, and food-grade warehouse distribution services to meet diverse needs.
Final-Mile and DTC Fulfillment
Weber’s infrastructure supports fast, accurate delivery to retailers or end-consumers, making it easier to pivot from international DTC to domestic fulfillment models.
Integrated Transportation Services
Weber’s full suite of asset-based and brokerage transportation options ensures reliable final-mile execution from port to doorstep—on the West Coast and nationwide. Whether it’s LTL, TL, port drayage, cross border, or parcel shipping, Weber has the solution.
Agility and Expertise
As a mid-size 3PL with 100 years of experience, Weber moves fast, responds to change, and provide white-glove service. We're not just a provider—we pride ourselves on being a true supply chain partner.
There’s more to watch. In addition to de minimis, the U.S. may soon impose new taxes on Chinese-built ships calling at U.S. ports. If enacted, this could lead carriers to eliminate smaller ports of call—such as Seattle and Oakland—funneling even more volume through LA and Long Beach.
That’s another reason importers may soon consolidate their port strategy on the West Coast—and another reason Weber’s positioning is so strategic.
Joseph adds: “With increased port volume and tighter delivery windows, businesses will need 3PLs that can handle the velocity. That’s Weber’s specialty.”
Whether you're a global brand, a DTC retailer, or a mid-sized importer, now is the time to rethink your supply chain. The end of de minimis isn’t just a regulatory shift—it’s a signal to localize fulfillment, build agility, and seek out partners with proven experience.
Weber Logistics is ready. Our integrated port-to-shelf solutions, strategic West Coast footprint, and customer-first approach position us to help you not just weather the change—but thrive through it.
Contact us to discover how Weber can support your new import strategy.