US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order significantly increasing duties on small packages sent from China, in a move likely to disrupt the import of popular low-cost products. The new tariffs, set to take effect on May 2, will raise duties from 30% to 90% on “low-value imports” from China.
The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, with the overall tariff rate jumping from 34% to 84%. The move is expected to impact Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, which have seen significant growth in recent years.
According to the White House order, the per-item tariff will increase to $75 from May 2 and $150 from June 1, up from $25 and $50, respectively. This move is seen as a major escalation in the trade tensions between the US and China.
The Trump administration had initially scrapped the customs exemption for goods valued at $800 or below in February, but reversed the decision due to logistical disruptions. China responded by accusing the US of “politicizing trade and economic issues.”
The new tariffs are part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape US trade policies with China. The move is likely to have significant implications for Chinese e-commerce companies and US consumers who rely on low-cost imports.
In a statement, the White House said the move was necessary to protect US industries and workers from unfair trade practices. However, critics argue that the tariffs will hurt US consumers and businesses that rely on imports from China.
The trade tensions between the US and China are expected to continue, with both sides dug in on their positions. The impact of the new tariffs on Chinese e-commerce companies and US consumers remains to be seen.
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