On July 31, 2025, the U.S. government announced the end of the 'de minimis' tariff exemption, a parcel tax relief that allowed low-value international purchases to enter the country duty-free. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending this loophole for packages valued at or under $800, effective August 29.
This regulatory change is expected to significantly impact Americans shopping for secondhand, vintage, or handmade items on platforms like eBay and Etsy. Buyers will now face steep customs duties on international purchases, potentially hurting trade volumes on these peer-to-peer sites.
The end of the de minimis rule could lead to increased costs for consumers and a reduction in cross-border transactions, particularly for lower-priced goods. While eBay CEO Jamie Iannone stated the company is 'well suited' to navigate such policies, the change introduces new friction and costs for international sellers and buyers.
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