New Tariffs and De Minimis Rule Change Impact Online Shopping
Michelle Schulz on KRIV-TV
September 1, 2025
Trade law expert Michelle Schulz explains how the end of the de minimis rule and new tariffs will drive up costs for online shoppers starting August 29, 2025.
Federal Appeals Court Ruling and Tariff Hike
On August 29, 2025, a federal appeals court ruled that many of President Trump’s global tariffs are unconstitutional, though they remain in place pending a potential Supreme Court appeal.
Concurrently, the elimination of the de minimis rule, which allowed duty-free imports up to $800, took effect at midnight. As Fox 26’s Tom Zizek reports, this change impacts 3.7 million daily packages, significantly increasing costs for consumers purchasing from overseas retailers like Shein and Temu.
Consumer and Retail Impact
The removal of the de minimis exemption will hit everyday shoppers hard. Michelle Schulz, international trade attorney at Schulz Trade Law, states,
“Eliminating the de minimis rule, which has been in place for years and years, is going to impact the regular everyday consumer more than a lot of these other tariffs.”
For example, cotton slippers from China could jump from $30 to over $45 (a 51% increase), nutritional supplements from Canada from $37 to $67 (60% more), and a $1,200 luxury purse from Italy may see a 16% hike, disrupting e-commerce affordability.
Challenges for Retailers and Logistics
The new tariffs and rule change create uncertainty for e-commerce sellers and logistics. Schulz explains,
“Some of those retailers won’t be able to make as much of a profit anymore… they will have to either move to the United States or find some other strategy to get the goods in at a reasonable price.”
Tariffs may be absorbed by sellers, charged upfront, or collected by delivery companies like FedEx or UPS, potentially with added fees. Some international postal services have even suspended shipments to the U.S., causing delays as they adapt to the new rules.
Navigating tariff uncertainty requires expert guidance.
Whether your business is an importer, manufacturer, or retailer, Schulz Trade Law can help you anticipate changes and develop strategies to protect your bottom line.
👉 Contact Schulz Trade Consulting at schulztc.com for expert advice on:
- Managing duty costs
- Navigating compliance challenges
- Building resilient trade strategies for the months ahead