Lawmakers Urge Biden to Close Tariff Loophole for Chinese Imports

Democrats press President Biden to end the de minimis provision, citing economic and security concerns.

A majority of House Democrats have requested President Biden to use executive power to end the de minimis tariff provision for imports under $800.
The de minimis provision, increased from $200 to $800 in 2015, allows duty-free entry of low-value packages, primarily benefiting Chinese e-commerce firms.
Lawmakers argue that the provision is exploited by fentanyl traffickers and undermines U.S. trade enforcement, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
The National Council of Textile Organizations reports that the loophole has led to the closure of 18 U.S. textile plants and an influx of over 4 million packages daily.
Opponents, including the National Foreign Trade Council, warn that closing the loophole would increase consumer costs and strain Customs and Border Protection resources.