US ends duty-free imports under 'de minimis'; Bangladesh’s e-commerce exports at risk

The United States has officially revoked its long-standing ‘de minimis’ duty-free import benefit, raising concerns over a potential decline in Bangladesh’s e-commerce exports.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump signed an executive order cancelling the provision, which previously allowed goods worth up to $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free if sent via private courier services.

The new regulation will take effect from August 29, making such low-value imports fully subject to UScustoms duties and taxes.

Industry analysts say the move could have far-reaching consequences for Bangladeshi exporters, especially those selling ready-made garments, handicrafts, and light electronics via U.S.-based e-commerce platforms. Without the duty-free advantage, maintaining competitive prices in the American market is expected to become significantly more difficult.

Originally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) had scheduled the removal of de minimis benefits for July 1, 2027, but President Trump cited emergency circumstances to bring the decision forward.

Under the updated system, goods shipped through postal services will either face percentage-based duties or a fixed duty of $80 to $200 for six months, depending on the exporting country's tariff policy.

According to U.S. government data, de minimis imports have increased tenfold in less than a decade—from 134 million packages in 2015 to 1.36 billion in 2024. An average of 4 million packages now pass through U.S. customs daily.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported a 10.7% drop in air freight from Asia to the U.S., following increased tariffs on Chinese goods. The Trump administration imposed duties as high as 145% on Chinese and Hong Kong imports from May 2, later reduced to 30% after a temporary trade truce.

Republican Senator Jim Banks welcomed the move, stating: “Countries like China have been sending cheap products into the U.S. without paying duties. This has posed a threat to American businesses.”

Experts in Bangladesh’s export sector warn that the change will compel e-commerce companies to restructure pricing and may cause a decline in shipments, potentially affecting foreign currency earnings in the long run.