The Shopping Trends team has been tracking consumer behavior, revealing insights into current purchasing patterns. Their analysis suggests that online shopping continues to be a dominant force, with consumers increasingly prioritizing convenience and value. Furthermore, the team monitors specific product categories to identify emerging trends and popular items. As a result, they may earn a commission from affiliate links, and provide transparency about their operations.
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Starting August 23, postal services in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium will temporarily halt parcel shipments to the US due to the upcoming suspension of the “de minimis” customs exemption. This exemption previously allowed low-value packages to enter the US duty-free, but the change means shipments will now face tariffs, which these postal operators are not yet equipped to handle. Consequently, this decision will affect packages beyond letters, potentially forcing sellers to cancel orders or seek alternative shipping methods. The temporary halt is a result of not being able to handle the new customs declaration paperwork and payment methods required.
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U.S. citizen and New Hampshire attorney Bachir Atallah was detained for five hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon returning from Canada, despite having no prior issues. Atallah alleges forceful removal from his vehicle, handcuffing, and pressure to allow a search of his phone, citing attorney-client privilege concerns. CBP counters that the detention was a routine secondary inspection and that Atallah provided written consent to a limited device search. Atallah and his wife are pursuing legal action following the incident.
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President Trump initially suspended the de minimis trade exemption, which allows duty-free entry for small packages from China, resulting in a potential surge in processing burdens for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, he subsequently issued an executive order temporarily reinstating the exemption, contingent on the Commerce Secretary’s notification of sufficient systems for tariff collection. This reversal highlights the considerable uncertainty surrounding trade policy under the Trump administration. The de minimis provision, heavily utilized by companies like Temu and Shein, has faced criticism for facilitating a large influx of potentially counterfeit or unsafe goods.
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John Q. Hosedrinker