[ Post a Response | The SteelNavy.Com Message Board ]
Posted by Bill Oreto on February 5, 2025, 3:30:19, in reply to "Elimination of De Minimis Exception to Tariffs "
It is a little murky what constitutes a toy. Internet says “electronic toys”. So a $250 3D printed 1/350 scale model may cost $25.00 dollars more. China does have options if sales fall off. They can manipulate their currency as they have been doing for years or take less profit. That $250.00 3D model probably cost them $45.00-$65.00 to produce and box. Shipping to dealers is calculated into retailers price. Further tariff fees, shipping and sale taxes are also carried by the buyer. China’s final option is to trans-ship through countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, Taiwan etc.
The tariff also impact durable machinery and computer equipment of all kinds. This is addition to tariffs placed on EV vehicles and batteries and many other items in May of 2024.
As of today there is no effective way to collect these tariffs. US Customs will either have to evolve (expand) or a new department formed. But matters do get worse as the USPS suspended the receiving of China/Hong Kong shipments as of this morning. That will have to be sorted out. 
Previous Message
All,
I have been reading about how the new administration's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China have eliminated a "de minimus" exception on tariffs that has been in effect since 1930. I didn't know the exception existed until I saw the news about its elimination as to those three countries.
The exception allows one person to receive imports of goods valued at less than US$800 each day. I think the exception remains in effect on goods imported from other countries.
The new administration has paused the new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, but I do not know if it has paused the elimination of the de minimus exception as to them, and I assume it is still in effect as to China.
That is the situation as I now understand it, but I urge others to read up on this to see if I've missed anything or misunderstood something.
I buy some kits and other hobby items from China and, as it looks like this may affect them, I am very interested in this subject.
I'm looking forward to a good discussion of this. Some of you will no doubt disappoint me, but that's just life these days.
Art Nicholson
Responses