U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the global de minimis exemption for commercial shipments valued at $800 or less entering the United States, effective on August 29, 2025. This policy change, which eliminates the tax-free threshold previously applied to low-value shipments from all countries, marks a significant shift that will have broad implications for U.S. consumers and international e-commerce, especially impacting Korean exporters and online retailers.
End of De Minimis Exemption and Its Impact on U.S. E-Commerce
Until now, parcels valued at $800 or below could enter the U.S. duty- and tax-free, allowing small-scale overseas retailers and individual sellers to competitively supply the American market. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in 2024 alone, over 4 million shipments daily—totaling $136 billion annually—used the de minimis threshold, reflecting an 880% increase since 2015.
The executive order responds to concerns about rising imports of low-value goods, which some argue have facilitated tariff evasion and the influx of illicit products. The current suspension extends earlier restrictions imposed on Chinese and Hong Kong imports in early 2025 to all global origins.
Key consequences of this policy include:
- Shift in Logistics Models: Businesses will likely move from frequent small shipments to bulk imports and domestic warehousing strategies.
- Increased Consumer Costs: The inclusion of tariffs and taxes will raise the prices of previously inexpensive imported goods.
- Price Hikes for Popular Categories: Products such as fashion, beauty, and Korean food items will face upward price pressure in U.S. markets.
- Uniform Tariff Application: All exporting countries face the same new rules, affecting global supply chains and diversification strategies.
Implications and Outlook for Korean E-Commerce Exports
Korea’s e-commerce exports to the U.S.—notably K-beauty, fashion, and food products—have enjoyed strong demand and growth, bolstered by the low tariffs under the de minimis exemption. In 2020, Korean goods online sales to the U.S. reached approximately 1.5 trillion KRW, driven by competitive pricing, quality, and fast delivery.
Current Export Dynamics
Many Korean small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups have thrived through online platforms by utilizing the tax-free advantage for low-value parcels. Popular Korean brands have made deep inroads into major U.S. e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart, leveraging this exemption for growth.
Expected Effects of De Minimis Suspension
- Weakened Price Competitiveness:
- Added tariffs diminish Korea’s price edge, potentially reducing demand for key categories that rely on low-value parcel shipments.
- Shift to Bulk and Localized Distribution:
- Korean businesses may need to establish local warehouses or distribution centers and consider local production or assembly.
- Rising Barriers for SMEs:
- Smaller companies might struggle to cope with increased administrative and cost burdens, leading to market consolidation favoring larger corporations.
- Need for Market and Product Diversification:
- To mitigate U.S. market challenges, Korean firms are encouraged to explore alternative regions like Southeast Asia and Europe, and focus on high-value, differentiated products.
Industry Perspectives and Strategic Responses
Korean e-commerce experts agree that the suspension will likely slow export growth to the U.S. and reduce price competitiveness in the short term. However, the move could also incentivize longer-term strategies such as:
- Setting up local warehouses and corporate entities in the U.S.
- Leveraging trade agreements and free trade benefits.
- Enhancing product quality and branding aligned with Hallyu (Korean Wave) trends.
- Expanding into multiple international markets to spread risk.
Although some argue the impact may be limited because U.S. domestic shipping rules remain unaffected, the consensus recognizes the inevitable challenge of adapting to tighter customs and tariff controls.
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