Eliminating the de minimis exemption will hit fast fashion shoppers hard

A de mimimis exemption allows goods below a certain value threshold to be traded internationally without paying duty. And on May 2 2025, the United States eliminated their de minimis exception for Hong Kong and China. That will drive up prices for shoppers on ultra-budget fast fashion platforms like Shein. With the changes to the rules, the price of a $20 dress on Shein could increase to more than $30. “Thrifty shoppers might be tempted to buy from sellers in India or Mexico, where the de minimis exemption is still in effect, but the exception is set to be eliminated for all countries in 2027,” writes Prof. Vivek Astvansh in The Conversation.