The United States is poised to eliminate de minimis, leading to a significant disruption in air cargo.

President Trump's executive order, effective May 2, 2025, will end de minimis exemptions for imports under $800 from China and Hong Kong, imposing a 30% ad valorem duty or a flat fee per item. This unexpected change will significantly impact e-commerce, which relies heavily on low-value shipments, likely raising costs and transit times. Experts warn that this could shift logistics strategies from direct-to-consumer shipping to bulk consignments through intermediaries. While air cargo demand may decline, some predict a rise in ocean freight as businesses adapt to the new tariff landscape.