The de minimis exemption, which allows low-value goods to enter the US without facing tariffs or extensive customs processing, is one of many hot issues in the current trade war between the US and the rest of the world. 

However, it seems unlikely that the US will eliminate this exemption anytime soon – despite claims that the door is shutting on this ‘loophole’. 

A combination of logistical challenges, lack of infrastructure, and political uncertainty makes it difficult to remove it. 

the cost of administering the processing of billions of small parcels could create a nightmare for the government that could snarl up air cargo and create massive congestion at ports.

Could the US rollback its plans to kill di minimis? 

Right now, it doesn’t look like it.  

But a few months from now they might modify their plan. 

Here are some of the almost impossible to overcome obstacles to eliminating di minimis.