President Donald Trump has been handed a victory in his battle to equalize international trade, so that American consumers and businesses see the same benefits as foreign organizations, with a decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade.
That ruled he was allowed to close a loophole in America’s trade policy that essentially allowed foreign shippers to send goods into the United States over and over without paying tariffs.
It was called the “de minimis” exemption and to some was a reasonable way to address smaller shipments. But it allowed foreign shippers to send packages worth up to $800 in the United States duty free, over and over and over.
Trump said, “It became a giant loophole for TARIFF Cheats — and a Pipeline exploited by Fentanyl Traffickers, Counterfeiters, and other Criminals shipping dangerous and illegal products into America.”
The noted the numbers “were staggering. In 2024 alone, de minimis cost America an estimated 10.8 BILLION DOLLRS in foregone TARIFF Revenue, and an astonishing share of narcotics and counterfeit seizures came through the de minimis channel. So, we CLOSED IT.”
He said his order canceled the authority for the process.
“We ended this ridiculous giveaway, and made Foreign Goods play by the rules. The Importers sued. Today, THEY LOST. The Court ruled that the President had the Legal Authority to rescind this so-called ‘privilege.’”
BIG WIN today at the U.S. Court of International Trade on one of the most DESPICABLE loopholes in American Trade Policy — The so-called “de minimis” exemption.
For years, Foreign Shippers could send packages worth up to $800 into our Country, DUTY FREE, NO TARIFF, far less… pic.twitter.com/GR4cgOitQs
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 13, 2026
“For years, Foreign Shippers could send packages worth up to $800 into our Country, DUTY FREE, NO TARIFF, far less scrutiny. It became a giant loophole for TARIFF Cheats… So, we CLOSED IT.” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/49ulsRKmNm
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 13, 2026
Reports noted the top issue in the 2024 election was the economy, and going into this year’s voting, the Trump administration is prioritizing protecting American jobs and revenue.
