Host: Cindy Allen
Published: August 29, 2025
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

💡 The End of De Minimis: A Breakup That Changes Trade Forever
This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — takes inspiration from We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together to mark the official end of de minimis. For over a decade, Cindy lived and breathed this program while at DHL and FedEx, but as of August 29, 2025, de minimis is gone — and the trade world is already feeling the ripple effects.
From India’s new 50% tariffs to recession warnings from top economists, Cindy explains why small businesses, warehouses, and e-commerce platforms may be heading into a whole new era of compliance, cost control, and consumer pricing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:


India’s reciprocal tariffs jump to 50% tied to Russian oil sourcing


Why leading economists are warning that tariffs could trigger a U.S. recession


The rise and fall of de minimis — from a 1930s travel perk to $800 duty-free imports


How small businesses leveraged de minimis to grow — and why its end may reshape competition


The shift toward Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehouses, and U.S. fulfillment strategies


What “for sale” structuring and B2B2C transactions mean for compliance


Why CBP wants consumer-level data and how the loss of Type 86 impacts targeting


The uncertain path forward: industry groups pressing CBP for new guidance



Key Takeaways:


De minimis allowed 1.4 billion shipments annually — its removal is reshaping e-commerce and compliance.


Some companies are raising prices, others are exiting the U.S. market entirely.


Warehousing demand in the U.S. is surging as companies front-load and consolidate shipments.


CBP faces new challenges as critical consumer-level data disappears.


Industry is waiting for CBP guidance to bring predictability to the new landscape.



Resources & Mentions:

Federal Register – Section 232 & Reciprocal Tariffs Notices
Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, University of Michigan Economic Analysis
Mark Zandi – Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist
NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America
COAC – Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee
TFTEA – Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (2016/2017)


Credits
Hosts:


Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Trade Force Multiplier 

Producer:


Lalo Solorzano - LinkedIn



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