Trump's Customs Shift: A Blow to eBay and Etsy Sellers

Shoppers in the U.S. looking for secondhand, vintage, or handmade goods on platforms like eBay and Etsy are bracing for significant changes next month. From August 29, customary duty-free treatment on international parcels valued under $800 will be eliminated, a move U.S. President Donald Trump announced unexpectedly.

The exemption withdrawal, previously planned for July 2027, was expedited due to pressures alleging that it permits drug smuggling and floods the country with low-cost goods, hurting local retailers and manufacturers. The policy shift notably follows the earlier suspension of duty-free treatment for packages from China and Hong Kong.

Market leaders like eBay and Etsy have voiced concerns, highlighting potential disruptions to their business models and increased costs for consumers. The change represents another hurdle for small companies already dealing with elevated import tariffs, as they worry about increased prices for everyday goods and potential customs delays.

(With inputs from agencies.)