
Trump Closes De Minimis Exemptions to Combat China’s Role in Opioid Crisis
President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order to close de minimis exemptions, targeting China's role in the U.S. synthetic opioid crisis. The move, announced on April 2, 2025, aims to curb the influx of cheap shipments from China, particularly those facilitated by e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein. The de minimis threshold, which allows goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, has been exploited to ship narcotics and other illegal goods.
The decision has sparked a range of reactions. Critics argue that the closure of these exemptions could lead to higher costs for American consumers and disrupt supply chains. Supporters, however, believe it is a necessary step to address the opioid epidemic and protect national security. The White House emphasized that this action is part of a broader strategy to combat the flow of synthetic opioids into the country.
The executive order also reflects ongoing tensions in U.S.-China trade relations, with potential implications for global trade dynamics. As the policy takes effect, its impact on the economy and the opioid crisis will be closely monitored.