What's happened
The Biden administration's proposed changes to the de minimis exemption for imports from China have drawn strong opposition from Beijing. China claims the new tariffs will harm international trade, while the US aims to curb the influx of low-cost goods that undermine local businesses.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Ashley Belanger from Ars Technica, President Biden's proposal targets the de minimis exemption, which has allowed a surge in low-value imports from China. He stated, "The majority of shipments entering the United States claiming the de minimis exemption originate from several China-founded e-commerce platforms." This sentiment is echoed by BBC News, which highlights the concerns of US lawmakers regarding the exploitation of this exemption by companies like Shein and Temu. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reports that China is "strongly dissatisfied" with the US's tariff plans, arguing that they undermine the international trade order. This contrast illustrates the conflicting perspectives on the implications of these trade policies.
How we got here
The US has seen a significant increase in imports claiming the de minimis exemption, which allows goods valued under $800 to enter duty-free. This has raised concerns among US lawmakers about unfair competition and product safety, particularly from Chinese e-commerce platforms.
Common question
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What Are the New US Shipping Rules for Shein and Temu?
Recent changes proposed by the Biden administration regarding shipping rules are set to impact popular e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu. These changes aim to address concerns over low-cost imports from China, but what does this mean for consumers and international trade? Here are some common questions and answers about the new shipping regulations.
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