When US President Donald Trump shifted his trade war strategy from US-versus-the-world to US-versus-China, Indian exporters found themselves with an unexpected window. But even before the US paused its reciprocal tariff plans on other countries, one particular window had begun to widen for India—one defined by smaller shipment values but immense volumes.Trump’s latest executive order, issued on April 9, eliminates a key exemption that had allowed small-value shipments from China and Hong Kong to enter the US duty-free. This “de minimis” rule, which previously let parcels valued under $800 bypass duties, was heavily exploited by Chinese e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu, as well as platforms like Amazon. The executive order extends to e-commerce imports specifically, closing this loophole starting May 2.
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