Why I Temporarily Stopped Shipping to the USA and What The De Minimus Tariff Exemption Means

As a small business owner, the complexities of international shipping can be challenging. Recently, I made a tough choice: to stop shipping to the USA. The driving force behind this decision was the suspension of the de minimus tariff exemption, a move that impacts both my business and my customers significantly. In this post, I’ll explain what the de minimus tariff exemption entails, why it is crucial, and how it has made shipping to the USA untenable for the time being.

What is the De Minimus Tariff Exemption?

The de minimus tariff exemption allows certain low-value goods to be imported into a country without incurring tariffs or duties. In the U.S., this exemption applies to shipments valued at $800 or less. This means that if you purchase items from Canada that fall under this value threshold, you typically avoid extra fees upon arrival.

For example, if a customer ordered the Epicure Grill Boss Collection priced at C$89.95, they were previously free from tariffs. This exemption can significantly simplify the import process for small businesses like mine.

The Suspension of the De Minimus Tariff Exemption

As of August 29, 2023, the U.S. government suspended the de minimus tariff exemption. This shift means that shipments valued at $800 or less might now incur tariffs and duties. Such changes could lead to increased costs for consumers.

These extra fees can be staggering. For instance, a 35% tariff on a $100 shipment would add $35 to the total cost. Consequently, small businesses like My Epicurean Kitchen face tough choices: either absorb the costs and cut into already-small margins, or pass those costs on to consumers, risking decreased sales and customer dissatisfaction. This situation can discourage many potential buyers from making purchases.

Why I Decided to Suspend Shipments to the USA

Given the recent changes to the de minimus tariff exemption, I found myself at a crossroads. As the owner of My Epicurean Kitchen, I aim to provide high-quality products at fair prices. However, I realized that continuing to ship to the USA could result in higher prices for my customers due to tariffs.

I want to maintain my customers' trust and satisfaction. If tariffs raise prices on my products, many loyal customers may not realize that this is a situation outside my control and resent what might appear to be price-gouging. This harsh reality led me to decide to temporarily suspend shipments to the USA. I want to ensure that customers receive the best value without compromising quality or service.

I am not alone in this decision. In fact, nations around the world are halting shipments to the US because of the situation.

Refer to: European postal services suspend shipment of packages to US over tariffs

The Impact on My Customers

I recognize that my decision is disappointing for my customers in the USA who have supported My Epicurean Kitchen. I deeply value their loyalty. I assure you that this suspension is temporary. I am actively looking for ways to navigate the new tariff landscape and will keep you updated on any progress.

Your understanding and support are invaluable as I face these changes. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is essential to me.