Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries
In Simple Terms
The President has decided to keep charging duties on certain imports that used to be duty-free. This means more shipments will have taxes when they enter the country.
Summary
President Donald Trump has issued Executive Order 14388, which continues the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. This order ensures that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will collect duties on shipments entering the United States, including those sent through the international postal network. The action is based on recommendations from senior officials and is deemed necessary to address national emergencies related to trade and security, as outlined in previous executive orders. The order modifies existing regulations to ensure duties are collected effectively and applies to goods entered for consumption starting February 24, 2026.
Official Record
Federal Register PublishedSigned by the President
February 20, 2026
Published on WhiteHouse.gov
View on WhiteHouse.govFebruary 25, 2026
Document #2026-03829
Analysis & Impact
💡 How This May Affect You
- Working families and individuals: Higher prices on imported goods may reduce disposable income for everyday purchases.
- Small business owners: Increased costs for imported supplies could reduce profit margins or lead to higher prices.
- Students and recent graduates: Higher costs for imported electronics and textbooks may strain tight budgets.
- Retirees and seniors: Increased prices on imported goods could affect fixed-income budgets.
- Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Urban areas might see more impact due to reliance on diverse imported goods.
🏢 Key Stakeholders
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) tasked with implementing duty collection systems.
- Small international e-commerce businesses face increased costs and logistical challenges.
- Domestic manufacturers benefit from reduced competition from low-cost international imports.
- Postal and courier services must adjust operations to comply with new duty requirements.
- Trade advocacy groups may oppose increased barriers to international trade.
📈 What to Expect
Short-term:
- Increased customs processing times for international shipments.
- Rise in consumer prices for imported goods.
- Heightened administrative burden on small businesses.
Long-term:
- Shift towards domestic sourcing for businesses.
- Potential trade tensions with affected countries.
- Gradual adaptation of e-commerce platforms to new regulations.
📚 Historical Context
- President Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018, citing national security.
- Builds on prior executive orders addressing national emergencies and trade deficits.
- Similar to President Nixon's 1971 import surcharge to address balance of payments issues.
- Notable for extending suspension of duty-free treatment to all countries.
- Reflects ongoing use of executive power to manage international trade and economic policy.
News Coverage
Does Trump’s tariff on small packages mean no more cheap online shopping? - The Guardian
Does Trump’s tariff on small packages mean no more cheap online shopping? The Guardian
A Tariff Loophole on Cheap Imports Has Closed. How Will It Affect Shoppers? - The New York Times
A Tariff Loophole on Cheap Imports Has Closed. How Will It Affect Shoppers? The New York Times
This rule made many online purchases dirt cheap for U.S. consumers. Now it's ending - NPR
This rule made many online purchases dirt cheap for U.S. consumers. Now it's ending NPR
De minimis: How US shoppers will be hit as the tariff exemption ends - BBC
De minimis: How US shoppers will be hit as the tariff exemption ends BBC
Tariff exemption for small packages ends this week - PBS
Tariff exemption for small packages ends this week PBS
Small businesses say they fear Trump's tariffs: "A devastating impact" - CBS News
Small businesses say they fear Trump's tariffs: "A devastating impact" CBS News