US trade court upholds Trump's end to 'de minimis' import loophole
The US Court of International Trade upheld President Donald Trump's decision to close the 'de minimis' loophole, which had let low-value imports enter duty-free. Trump hailed the ruling on Truth Social as a 'BIG WIN' for his tariff agenda.
The US Court of International Trade has upheld President Donald Trump's move to end the "de minimis" exemption, which previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the United States duty-free. The ruling keeps in place tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Trump celebrated the decision in a Truth Social post, calling the continued closure of the loophole a "BIG WIN." The exemption had been used heavily by low-cost e-commerce platforms shipping small packages directly to US consumers, and its removal is expected to raise costs for such retailers.
The ruling adds legal weight to one of the administration's signature trade measures, though further appeals remain possible. Retailers and logistics companies that relied on the duty-free channel are reassessing their US strategies as the higher-cost regime takes hold.
Read next
New Zealand's aged care sector faces $650 million funding gap
New Zealand's aged care sector is facing a $650 million funding gap despite $5 billion a year in retirement village sales, according to a new report cited by RNZ. A lack of profitability in the care side of the business may be stalling further investment.
Westpac, Optus front Senate hearing into KPMG whistleblower scandal
US accuses nine Latin American countries of helping China dodge Trump's tariffs
US warns Argentina that closer China ties 'won't help attract investment'
