eBay relies heavily on cross-border trade, and last week, it issued a warning about a possible change in government policy that could make it more expensive for US buyers to import goods from abroad.
The de minimis threshold is the amount a citizen can import from abroad without having to pay duties. eBay advocates for high de minimis thresholds, calling them an important element for facilitating global transactions.
But according to eBay, “the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) sent a report to Congress detailing changes to U.S. law needed to implement the new trade agreement negotiated between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The report includes language that could result in a reduced U.S. de minimis threshold.”
According to eBay, Congress raised the de minimis threshold in the US from $200 to $800 in 2016.
Before US sellers applaud the idea of lowering de minimis thresholds as a possible means to discourage foreign imports, keep in mind that, as eBay points out, it could result in cumbersome international returns for US sellers. eBay said it would also mean more delays at the border.
See the full post from eBay on its Main Street blog.
I depend on imports for some parts for my business. These parts aren’t even made in the US, so switching to a US maker won’t work for me. Shipping has already reduced my profit and this would minimis would further damage my business. Does anyone know the purpose of all this? Is it to destroy US businesses in favor of foreign?
The better way to limit importing is to make it a liable option to manufacture in the states again. To bad usa bows to china.