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Ralph?
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You are mistaken. There are "a million" discussions going on below.
This is Executive Order 14325:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/suspending-duty-free-de-minimis-treatment-for-all-countries/
It is the decree which has triggered all this.
Study Section 3. That allows "transportation carriers" to collect duties by EITHER method (b) OR by method (c). Method (b) is Ad Valorem, which is a percentage of whichever tariff rate applies. Method (c) is a flat rate, and it lists the rates. Tariffs are collected based on the country of manufacture, NOT where they are shipped from. China is in the highest tariff rate (currently 30% for a few more days. Higher after, I think.) If you look at the table given in 3(c), if the tariff rate is in that range, the flat rate is indeed $200.
However, these flat rates are for "convenience" of postal services not set up to calculate percentages. It is the option of the transportation carrier to choose which rate system to use.
So, are you doing any manufacturing in China? If not, then that $200 rate has nothing to do with you. The tariff rate for the Philippines is 19%:
https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-reduction-to-19-us-tariff-rate-on-ph-exports-after-negotiations-significant/
So, if you look in 3(c) that flat rate is $160.
HOWEVER, you will need to find a shipping service that is using the Ad Valorem rate. That will then be a charge based on the 19% of the cost of the item. The Philippines' postal system is either not currently shipping to the US, or is likely using the $160 flat rate to make it easy on themselves. However, common carriers like UPS and FedEx are likely still shipping, and could offer the Ad Valorem rate.
PLEASE read through the several threads we have going on below. This is very complex, and we have a number of informative threads going. I am only summarizing for you. Much more info is below.
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So if I'm understanding this correctly, the minimum tariff charge is $200.
I doubt many modelers are going to pay an extra $200 for a kit.
I'm in Philippines, and the majority of sales were to the USA, so I guess I won't be selling many kits in the near future.
If i got this wrong please set me straight.
Thanks, David at Loose Cannon East.
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