By Eva Richardson – The Logistic News, March 14, 2025
The future of global e-commerce and logistics is facing mounting uncertainty as governments worldwide move to tighten de minimis trade rules, prompting concerns from DHL and major freight stakeholders. With countries like Malaysia and the United States reconsidering their customs exemptions on low-value shipments, industry leaders warn of a seismic shift that could raise costs and slow supply chains.
De Minimis: A Crucial Pillar of Global Trade Under Threat
For years, de minimis thresholds have allowed low-value goods to enter countries duty-free, expediting international trade and fueling the e-commerce boom. However, growing political and economic pressures are leading governments to reconsider these exemptions, with major implications for logistics providers, online retailers, and consumers alike.
“The de minimis framework has been a game-changer for cross-border trade, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and at scale,” said a DHL spokesperson. “Tightening these rules will create cost pressures that could negatively impact the entire supply chain.”
Concerns raised by industry experts include:
- Higher Import Costs – Stricter de minimis policies could subject millions of low-value shipments to new tariffs, raising prices for businesses and consumers.
- Delays in Customs Processing – Without streamlined de minimis rules, customs clearance backlogs could significantly slow down global shipping times.
- E-commerce Disruptions – Platforms like Temu, Shein, and Alibaba, which rely on de minimis exemptions, may struggle to maintain competitive pricing and delivery speed.
Global Governments Weigh Policy Changes
Countries like Malaysia are already reducing de minimis thresholds, reflecting a broader trend toward tighter import regulations. Meanwhile, in the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is considering reforms to curb duty-free imports from China, a move that could reshape global trade flows.
“Governments must strike a balance between protecting domestic industries and maintaining the efficiency of international trade,” said an international trade policy expert. “If de minimis rules become too restrictive, it could stifle e-commerce growth and increase costs for small businesses.”
What’s Next for the Logistics Industry?
As the debate over de minimis thresholds intensifies, logistics leaders like DHL are urging policymakers to take a measured approach to avoid widespread disruptions. Industry experts suggest:
- Phased policy implementation to prevent sudden shocks to global supply chains.
- Harmonization of de minimis thresholds across different countries to create a consistent regulatory framework.
- Support measures for SMEs to help them adapt to rising import costs.
The coming months will be critical in determining the future of global trade regulations, with billions of dollars in commerce at stake. As governments move to tighten customs policies, e-commerce giants, freight companies, and consumers alike must prepare for a rapidly changing landscape.
Stay tuned with The Logistic News for exclusive insights on global trade policies, logistics trends, and supply chain transformations.
