President Donald Trump’s move to end duty-free entry for low-cost Chinese goods into the U.S. quickly hit a roadblock as over a million packages piled up at JFK Airport. The rushed policy change, aimed at the “de minimis” trade rule allowing tax-free entry for goods under $800, proved unworkable on short notice. With the majority of packages entering the U.S. through this loophole, the abrupt order caused chaos within America’s import system.

Trump’s order, part of his campaign promise to address China’s role in the opioid crisis, included a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports and ended the de minimis exemption for low-value Chinese packages. However, lack of preparation time led to a halt in implementing the order, as major carriers and customs agencies were ill-equipped to start collecting tariffs on existing shipments.

The de minimis rule, criticized for enabling the influx of cheap Chinese products and facilitating illicit activities, has faced bipartisan scrutiny. While there is a consensus on the need to reduce these packages, any changes must be carefully considered to prevent disruptions in the shipping system and allow time for adaptation.

Moving forward, the Commerce Department is tasked with finding a viable solution. However, challenges remain, especially for the USPS, which lacks the infrastructure to assess and process duties on incoming packages. With the administration planning to reinstate the ban on de minimis, experts anticipate another tumultuous transition due to the complexities of global shipping routes. In the midst of these developments, the need for collaboration between government agencies, private sector entities, and lawmakers is crucial to navigate the evolving landscape of international trade regulations.