Major American Business, Manufacturing, Tech, and Logistics Associations Call for Improving, Not Degrading De Minimis; Correct the Record on Widespread Misinformation

Groups representing U.S.-based businesses of all sizes urge the Administration to “consider practical, innovative ways to improve de minimis without increasing costs for consumers and small business.”

(Washington, D.C.) – A group of diverse American industry associations across business, manufacturing, tech, and logistics today sent a letter to the White House that outlines the consumer, inflationary, small business and exporting impacts of rolling back the de minimis tax exemption. The letter also addresses widespread misinformation on this longstanding pillar of international trade policy. The letter comes as the Administration and Congress consider potential approaches to changing the de minimis policy that was last affirmed on a bipartisan basis by Congress in 2016.

“De minimis has benefitted thousands of American small businesses across all sectors,” the organizations write. “It has also made purchasing goods online more affordable and accessible for consumers at a time of inflation and supply chain challenges. The average value of a de minimis package is roughly $50. If de minimis were to be eliminated or significantly degraded, that average $50 package could double in price without enhancing law enforcement at our borders.”

The associations lay out concrete steps in the letter that Congress and the Administration can take to improve de minimis without increasing costs for the American people, among other negative consequences.

“We remain eager to work with the Administration and Congress in developing legal authorities to better address non-compliance by a small number of bad actors who jeopardize our economic security, whether in the de minimis environment or other entry points. Improving de minimis offers a practical way to grow e-commerce, while keeping prices affordable and strengthening enforcement. Eliminating this tax exemption will undoubtedly create new inflationary pressure, strain the same agency charged with protecting our borders and ports, slow supply chains, and deliver a massive tax hike on the American people.”

The letter was sent by the following organizations: Consumer Technology Association, Express Association of America (EAA), National Association of Manufacturers, National Foreign Trade Council, TechNet, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The full text of the letter can be found here (pdf):

March 6, 2024

The Honorable Jacob J. Sullivan
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Executive Office of the President
Washington, DC 20500

The Honorable Lael Brainard
Director, National Economic Council
Executive Office of the President
Washington, DC 20500

Dear National Security Advisor Sullivan and Director Brainard:

On behalf of U.S.-based businesses large and small, we are writing to urge you to protect an essential component of America’s economic health and supply chain efficiency: de minimis treatment of low-value goods entering the U.S. The de minimis tax exemption permits shipments valued under $800 (per person, per day) to enter the United States free of duty and taxes. These shipments are subject to U.S. laws and information requirements that enable effective enforcement at the border.

De minimis has benefitted thousands of American small businesses across all sectors. For example, de minimis allows businesses to obtain inputs for domestically manufactured products into the United States more efficiently and with fewer unnecessary administrative requirements. It has also made purchasing goods online more affordable and accessible for consumers at a time of inflation and supply chain challenges.[1]

Further, many countries around the world have adopted de minimis thresholds to reduce costs for their consumers, promote competitiveness of small business, and avoid overburdening border officials who would otherwise be tasked with collecting small amounts of revenue. Products exported from the U.S. are subject to less red tape and enjoy duty free access to other countries when American exporters can utilize de minimis treatment abroad.

Recently, discussion around de minimis in Washington has included significant misinformation about the impact of de minimis on challenges we face in the United States. This letter is intended to ensure that the Biden-Harris Administration is equipped with the necessary data and facts that balance this important policy discussion.

Impact on the American Consumer and Inflation

Eliminating de minimis is the equivalent of a tax hike that would disproportionately impact small business owners and low-income consumers[2] who purchase affordable goods online. The average value of a de minimis package is roughly $50. If de minimis were to be eliminated or significantly degraded, that average $50 package could double in price, without enhancing law enforcement at our borders, after seeing a processing fee of $31.67 [3] and a brokerage fee of $20 upon entering the United States. The typical package, therefore, could see cost increase of over $50 in addition to the duties owed. As a result, a $50 delivery could become a more than $100 delivery. This added cost would feed inflation in the form of a massive, regressive tax hike on American consumers, the overwhelming majority of whom have a household income under $400,000.

Export Competitiveness

De minimis treatment of low-value shipments by international trading partners improves the competitiveness of American businesses by reducing transaction costs, giving American exports duty free access to those markets, and expediting speed to access other markets. Congress recognized this benefit when it encouraged federal agencies to pursue increased de minimis levels in other countries as an objective of U.S. trade policy.[4] Restricting the use of de minimis treatment in the U.S. would likely trigger changes in the 88 other countries with de minimis policies, increasing costs for American exporters.[5] For example, the European Union is expected to consider legislation that proposes to end duty free treatment for de minimis entry if adopted. Degrading de minimis in the U.S. is likely to encourage our trading partners to follow suit, resulting in American exporters paying more to sell their products in other countries.

Textile products, in particular, would be significantly impacted by such a potential race to the bottom related to de minimis. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. exports of fiber, textiles, and apparel totaled $34 billion.[6]

Forced Labor

Some have argued that de minimis provides a path for items made using forced labor to enter the U.S. There is no evidence that illegal products are more prevalent in de minimis shipments. As one CBP executive said last year: “There’s a misconception that we don’t target or screen de minimis — it’s not true. People throw around the phrase ‘loophole.’ It’s not a loophole. De minimis is not a loophole.”[7]

The administration, Congress, and industry must work together to rid forced labor from global supply chains. To do so we need to prioritize facts. As U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has pointed out[8] on several occasions, de minimis shipments undergo targeting and screening[9] that enforce the provisions of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act regardless of the value of the goods. The plain truth is the same risks for the importation of products made with forced labor exist across all import methods.

Fentanyl

Some have blamed the fentanyl crisis on de minimis. As government enforcement statistics make clear[10], the overwhelming majority of fentanyl enters the United States in large shipments from Mexico. These shipments are smuggled in passenger vehicles, by pedestrians, and concealed in truck shipments. De minimis packages, on the other hand, arrive in the United States overwhelmingly by air transportation throughout the country.

The CBP data tool released in August 2023[11] to track fentanyl seizures shows that 99% of fentanyl seizures were on the southern land border, which is not a significant channel for de minimis shipments. Further, in FY 2024, CBP is projected to seize roughly 1.2 billion doses of fentanyl. Only 3% of those doses will come via air cargo.[12] As the Peterson Institute recently noted: “the logic of banning de minimis parcels as a solution for the fentanyl crisis is on par with the logic of banning automobiles in Michigan (population 10 million) as a solution for national auto deaths (some 43,000 in 2022 in a population of 334 million).”[13]

As the administration works to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, we need serious policy solutions addressing the actual methods by which illicit narcotics are coming into the country. Fentanyl is a devastating crisis that must be met with real solutions.

Burdening Our Supply Chain and Border Enforcement Capabilities

Some have suggested that the increase of de minimis shipments has strained enforcement capabilities. However, degrading de minimis and routing one billion shipments into more resource intensive processing streams would require tens of thousands of CBP personnel to process information that is not related to enforcement and collect duty, rather than spending that time on activities that would actually interdict illicit items.

Degrading de minimis would not “shrink the haystack” of illicit shipments. It would simply “squeeze the balloon”, moving one billion de minimis packages to more cumbersome entry processes or the postal environment which includes less data than other means of de minimis entry. This would do nothing to address fentanyl enforcement while significantly increasing the cost of the average de minimis shipment for American small businesses and consumers and slow movement of supply chains.

Furthermore, the influx of volume into these other entry processes would slow the movement of supply chains while border officers scramble to process shipments and collect duty, instead of increasing the effectiveness of enforcement operations.

Improving Administration of De Minimis

CBP currently receives manifest data (such as the sender, recipient, value, and description of the goods) on de minimis shipments before they arrive at ports and already has clear statutory authority to require additional information to base enforcement decisions. In fact, CBP has just announced it will use its authority to require information related to de minimis shipments in the context of the entry type 86 test referenced below to require data before goods arrive to receive facilitative release of cargo. According to CBP, approximately 55% of de minimis entries in 2023 came in through the type 86 process. The Administration could take concrete steps, described below, to build on existing enforcement of U.S. trade laws at the border by separating the vast universe of compliant shipments from the few illicit packages.

First, CBP has been working toward the publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would ultimately formalize ongoing tests that require additional information on many low-value shipments. This rulemaking should proceed to clearly articulate the findings of the long-running tests, link information to well-defined government needs, and provide ample opportunity for comment from the broad universe of interested stakeholders.

Second, CBP should identify and close information sharing gaps in providing trade data to federal agencies with regulatory responsibilities related to the broader entry process, including de minimis.

Third, government processes must employ a more “future-proof” approach to accommodate constantly shifting supply chains and business models. CBP and other government agencies should identify ways to use publicly available information and emerging technology (e.g., artificial intelligence, distributed legers, advanced label readers, etc.) to validate data received across cargo environments, including de minimis, and more efficiently focus constricted enforcement resources.

Finally, we represent responsible members of industry and trade community who partner regularly with government entities to promote compliance with U.S. trade laws, security requirements, and the promotion of resilient supply chains. We remain eager to work with the Administration and Congress in developing legal authorities to better address non-compliance by a small number of bad actors who jeopardize our economic security, whether in the de minimis environment or other entry points.

Improving de minimis offers a practical way to grow e-commerce, while keeping prices affordable and strengthening enforcement. Eliminating this tax exemption will undoubtedly create new inflationary pressure, strain the same agency charged with protecting our borders and ports, slow supply chains, and deliver a massive tax hike on the American people.

We urge the Administration to consider practical, innovative ways to improve de minimis without increasing costs for consumers and small business. Particularly at a time when President Biden has made clear that he is doing everything in his power to lower everyday costs for hard-working Americans, the administration should reject efforts to roll back a provision that Congress expressly enacted to facilitate trade and support consumers and businesses.

Sincerely,

Consumer Technology Association
Express Association of America (EAA)
National Association of Manufacturers
National Foreign Trade Council
TechNet
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

[1] Horowitz, Gabe (2022) Reducing the Red Tape Around Supply Chains. Third Way https://www.thirdway.org/report/reducing-the-red-tape-around-supply-chains

[2] https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4325456-proposals-to-eliminate-duty-free-imports-are-akin-to-levying-new-taxes-on-americans/

[3] https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-334?language=en_US

[4] Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, Pub. L. No. 114-125, 130 STAT. 223 (2016) https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/publ125/PLAW-114publ125.pdf

[5] https://www.trade.gov/de-minimis-value

[6] http://www.ncto.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022-Exports.jpg

[7] https://internationaltradetoday.com/news/2023/04/24/CBP-Trade-Policy-Director-de-Minimis-Is-No-Loophole-2304240038

[8] https://internationaltradetoday.com/news/2023/04/24/CBP-Trade-Policy-Director-de-Minimis-Is-No-Loophole-2304240038

[9] https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/e-commerce/faqs

[10] https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/drug-seizure-statistics

[11] https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-drugs-dosage-value-and-weight

[12] https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-drugs-dosage-value-and-weight

[13] https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economics/proposal-get-rid-duty-free-imports-would-punish-american-consumers-and

 

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About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

NFTC VP: It’s Time to Look Past the WTO’s Consensus-Based Approach

WASHINGTON DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith today issued the following statement following the conclusion of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi:

“The outcomes announced at the conclusion of last week’s WTO 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi came together just in time to quell prognostications that the WTO and the rules-based trading system are on the brink of collapse. We congratulate WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the United Arab Emirates for their leadership.

“While the vast majority of members were constructively engaged, it was frustrating to see, once again, that a small handful remain set on blocking greater progress, even on issues with broad developing country support like the Investment Facilitation for Development initiative. Dealing with this behavior once again underscores the need to find alternatives to the consensus basis approach so the WTO can advance outcomes on shared 21st century challenges like sustainability and digital trade.

“Ultimately, members delivered on the most urgent outcome on the agenda: an extension of the customs duty moratorium on electronic transmissions for two more years. In recognition of the tremendous opportunity that access to the digital economy provides to all people, the vast majority of WTO members, including unprecedented numbers of developing countries, actively supported this extension.

“Importantly, members did not expand the scope of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver for COVID-19 vaccines to additional diagnostic and therapeutic products. While that is a relief for innovative industries, it is only temporary, and we must continue to push back on efforts to weaken intellectual property protections under the TRIPS Agreement on other fronts, including on existing discussions on future pandemic preparedness, technology transfer, and sustainability.

“We applaud the progress made on a range of other important issues, including fisheries subsidies and agriculture. A lack of final agreement on these issues and a decision to take additional time to get them right should not be viewed as a failure.

“We are heartened by the momentum coming out of the Ministerial for dispute settlement reform. It is absolutely critical for members to build on the significant work that has been done to date and finalize an agreement on the remaining issues and restore confidence in the system.

“Global businesses need to see that the WTO can uphold the international trading system by enforcing its rules and holding to account those who fail to follow them.

“U.S. leadership will remain critical to the future direction of the WTO. We encourage the Biden-Harris Administration to vigorously promote the interests of American companies at the WTO on issues from digital trade to IP to agriculture, and to intensify efforts to build consensus on a package of reforms that can be agreed to by the end of the year.”

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About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

NFTC Statement on the Extension of the Standstill on European Digital Services Taxes

WASHINGTON DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) President Jake Colvin today issued the following statement in response to the announcement of an extension of the Agreement on the Transition from Existing Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) to a New Multilateral Solution under the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework between the United States, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

“We applaud the Treasury Department negotiators for their work with the Governments of Austria, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom to continue the standstill on DSTs and avoid the need for retaliatory actions stemming from U.S. 301 investigations.

“We hope over the next few months the Inclusive Framework can continue their discussions and produce a viable Pillar One agreement. We urge the Treasury Department to consider the input from the business community and Congress as they work to finalize the Multilateral Convention.

“It is troubling that Canada continues to move ahead with plans to implement a DST instead of focusing on the successful conclusion of the OECD process.”

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About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

Remembering the Legacy of Former NFTC President Frank Kittredge

WASHINGTON DC – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Kittredge, the former President of the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC). Frank passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2024, at 92 years old.

NFTC President Jake Colvin observed that “Frank Kittredge was a larger-than-life champion of global trade who helped transform the Council into a visible and impactful advocate for thoughtful policymaking in Washington, DC.”

Bill Reinsch, who succeeded Frank as NFTC President in 2001, added that “he steered the NFTC through some difficult times with a steady hand and a keen perception about what was important to our members.”

Frank served as the President of the NFTC for 12 distinguished years, from 1989 until 2001. During that time, he oversaw the creation of NFTC’s USA*Engage coalition, which emphasized the importance of economic and diplomatic engagement in countries of concern and served as a key member of the State Department’s Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy.

One of the NFTC’s most significant achievements during his presidency was the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Crosby v. National Foreign Trade Council. In 2000, the Court unanimously ruled that Massachusetts’ law banning its agencies from procuring goods or services from companies doing business with Burma was invalid under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.

Frank retired from the NFTC in 2001 and settled in Easton, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Joan Gray Kittredge, and his three children, Frank D. Kittredge, Jr. and his wife Cynthia Briggs Kittredge of Austin, Texas; John B. Kittredge and his wife Donna Jeanne Kittredge of Windsor, Massachusetts, and Laura Kittredge Parker and her husband Tim Parker of Eagle-Vail, Colorado.

A memorial service in honor of his life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Christ Church Episcopal, at 111 S. Harrison St, Easton, MD 21601. For more details about his life and a memorial service in his honor, see Frank Kittredge’s Obituary in The Berkshire Eagle.

In lieu of flowers, the Kittredge family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Frank’s memory.

 

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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

NFTC Statement on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024

WASHINGTON DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for International Tax Policy Anne Gordon today issued the following statement on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024: 

“NFTC strongly supports enactment of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which encourages American innovation and fuels business growth. The bill covers a wide range of tax policies important for supporting the U.S. economy and providing relief from double taxation.”

“We applaud the inclusion of provisions supporting research and development, interest deductibility and immediate expensing. Furthermore, the incorporation of the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double Relief Tax Act enhances relations with one of our closest allies in the Indo-Pacific region.”

“NFTC commends the overwhelming support demonstrated by last week’s vote in the Ways & Means Committee. We encourage continued bipartisan support of the pro-growth tax package and swift passage into law.”

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About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

Statement by NFTC President Jake Colvin on the Nomination of Nelson Cunningham for Deputy USTR

WASHINGTON DC – In response to the announcement by President Biden of his intent to nominate Nelson W. Cunningham for Deputy United States Trade Representative, National Foreign Trade Council President Jake Colvin released the following statement:

“Nelson is a longtime veteran of U.S. economic policy debates and a gifted diplomat.

“He is exceptionally well-suited to advance the interests of American businesses and workers and help the Biden Administration navigate a challenging trade policy landscape.

“We urge his swift confirmation.”

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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

NFTC Launches New “Alliance for National Security and Competitiveness”

Jeannette Chu, NFTC Vice President for National Security Policy

WASHINGTON DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today launched the “Alliance for National Security and Competitiveness,” a new effort to help businesses take a leadership role engaging on export controls, sanctions and investment policies.

Building on NFTC’s history of leadership on export controls and sanctions issues, the Alliance will help lead business community engagement on national security and competitiveness and serve as a partner to the government to inform policy-making.

“As national security interests continue to converge with economic security, it is vital that the voice of business is heard and that industry can inform policy making at all levels,” said Jeannette Chu, NFTC’s Vice President for National Security Policy, who will serve as Executive Director of the Alliance.

Speaking at the event announcing the Alliance’s formal launch, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said, “At the Department of Commerce, we are fully engaged in our expanded role advancing the U.S.’s national security priorities. This new era calls for new methods of understanding and responding to the ever-evolving international landscape – one that places our country’s economic strength and toolkits at its center.” He added, “The U.S. private sector remains a critical partner in all our work as we drive forward the vital mission of protecting, promoting, and preserving our national security.”The Deputy Secretary delivered remarks and engaged in a fireside chat with NFTC President Jake Colvin.

The Alliance will inform on major political, policy and regulatory developments in the United States and key foreign jurisdictions by:

  • emphasizing the need for thoughtful policies to bolster American security and competitiveness;
  • strengthening relationships with key officials;
  • developing best practices and model text to inform future regulatory and legislative efforts and
  • encouraging multilateral cooperation, policy harmonization, and common licensing standards and practices where possible.

“The multisectoral nature of NFTC’s membership makes this Alliance a unique platform for convening the business community and building bridges across legislative, regulatory, diplomatic and policy communities. We look forward to supporting U.S. national security and enhancing competitiveness,” said Chu.

NFTC President Jake Colvin and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves

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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

Press Release | NFTC Statement on U.S.-Chile Tax Treaty Entry Into Force

WASHINGTON DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for International Tax Policy Anne Gordon today issued a statement following the announcement that the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Chile for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital (the U.S.-Chile Tax Treaty) enters into force today with an impact in 2024: 

NFTC commends the Governments of the United States and Chile for taking the final step in the long process to approve the U.S.-Chile Tax Treaty, allowing the agreement to enter into force today. The U.S.-Chile Tax Treaty is essential for strengthening the economic relationship between the United States and Chile, a vital U.S. partner in Latin America. The agreement will bring relief from double taxation for U.S. businesses operating in the country and will enhance economic cooperation and increase investment in both countries.

“NFTC has long advocated for the expansion of the U.S. tax treaty network to ensure the continued global competitiveness of American businesses by eliminating excessive foreign taxes, double taxation, and other obstacles in international markets. Bilateral income tax treaties such as this one are fundamental to strengthening international ties and creating economic opportunities for our businesses abroad.

“NFTC supports continued efforts by the Administration and Congress to promote strong international economic relationships by negotiating and ratifying additional tax treaties in the future.”

 

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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.

NFTC: Statement on Select Committee Recommendation on De Minimis

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the announcements that the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee) has recommended legislation that would reduce the current threshold for de minimis treatment of low-value goods, NFTC Senior Director of International Supply Chain Policy John Pickel released the following statement:

“The recommendation from the Select Committee to reduce de minimis would make everyday purchases more expensive for American consumers and small businesses without improving enforcement at our borders. The recommended reduction of the current threshold is tantamount to a new tax that will hurt low-income and underserved communities the most without addressing risks that are present in all ways that products come into the U.S.

“Reducing de minimis would double the cost of a $50 package, costing taxpayers millions and undoubtedly causing unnecessary delays for businesses and consumers without improving enforcement.

“De minimis is not a loophole; it is a staple of U.S. customs law that Congress designed to provide access to international markets for small businesses and lower costs for consumers. CBP has confirmed that de minimis shipments are processed the same way as higher-value parcels and are subject to enforcement of U.S. laws, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

“This recommendation would not address challenges in the important work of stifling the flow of illicit drugs and products made using forced labor from entering our borders. There are policy options that improve enforcement of U.S. laws at our borders, including increasing compliance across all ways that products come into the U.S. without doubling costs for American consumers and small businesses.

“We urge Congress to consider the negative impacts that reducing de minimis will have, particularly on inflation and our fragile supply chain at a vulnerable time for the economy. Lawmakers should allow de minimis to continue doing what Congress intended the law to do: relieve supply chain congestion and provide American consumers and businesses with better access to buy supplies and sell finished goods on the global market.”

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About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.