Gregory Husisian Weighs in on Suspension of De Minimis Trade Exemption

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Gregory Husisian offered important context on President Trump’s recent trade actions on China in The Wall Street Journal and Vogue Business.

In addition to imposing tariffs on China, the Trump administration suspended the de minimis provision. This exemption allowed companies to avoid import taxes and customs inspections on international shipments with a retail value below $800.

Husisian told The Wall Street Journal that a blanket removal of the provision will require congressional action.

Describing the exemption’s origins in Vogue Business, he explained, “It was U.S. Customs, rather than foreign companies, that historically pushed for a de minimis exception and for raising the level.”

“De minimis used to enjoy bipartisan support; now, it has bipartisan criticism,” Husisian added. “Its inclusion in recent trade announcements is less about shaping the debate and more about reflecting the shifting consensus.”

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