UPDATE: USA De Minimis Drops from $800 to $0—AliExpress Shoppers Beware!

Big news for watch enthusiasts, AliExpress bargain hunters, and anyone buying goods internationally — USA customs is drastically reducing the de minimis exemption from $800 to $0 starting May 2. This major change means every imported purchase, no matter how small, will now face customs duties, with potentially higher shipping fees and delays.

Wondering how this will impact your watch shopping, especially on platforms like AliExpress? I discuss what the new regulations mean for you, how prices might rise, and thoughts on navigating these changes to protect your wallet and watch collection.

Mark at Long Island Watch explains tariffs, customs and the de minimis exemption in his insightful breakdown—check out his perspective here:
https://youtu.be/vw2PgWFkHPg?si=5hPaF18KhvrM6fGJ

Don't get blindsided by surprise customs taxes — watch now and stay ahead of the shift that's set to reshape your watch collection shopping!

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:05 De Minimis drops to $0
00:00:22 Link to explanation video
00:00:47 Impact on imports
00:01:06 Supply chain impact
00:01:22 Buy AliExpress now
00:01:40 Conclusion

More information:
The de minimis threshold for duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong will be eliminated on May 2, 2025. This change, enacted by executive order on April 2, 2025, means that all imports from these regions, regardless of value, will be subject to applicable duties starting on that date.

It's important to note that this policy specifically targets imports from China and Hong Kong. The de minimus threshold for imports from other countries remains unchanged at $800. Therefore, goods valued at $800 or less from countries other than China and Hong Kong might still continue to enter the U.S. duty-free. However, this could change as well.

For watch enthusiasts purchasing from platforms like AliExpress, which primarily ships from China, this means that starting May 2, 2025, even low-value watch purchases will incur customs duties upon import into the U.S.


On April 2, 2025, significant tariff increases were announced affecting imports from numerous countries, including the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and Japan. These tariffs are part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and protect domestic industries.

• Baseline Tariff: A universal 10% tariff will be imposed on all foreign imports, effective April 5, 2025.

• Country-Specific Tariffs: Higher "reciprocal" tariffs have been set for specific countries, effective April 9, 2025.

o European Union: 20% tariff.

o Japan: 24% tariff.

o United Kingdom: 10% tariff (same as the baseline).

These tariffs are expected to have several consequences:

1. Increased Import Costs: The additional tariffs will raise the cost of imported goods from the affected countries, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Companies relying on international supply chains may face increased costs and logistical challenges, prompting some to seek alternative suppliers or to shift production domestically.

3. Retaliatory Measures: The targeted countries have expressed strong opposition to the tariffs and may implement their own countermeasures. For instance, the European Union is preparing retaliatory actions if negotiations fail.

4. Market Volatility: The announcement has already led to significant market reactions, with declines in stock markets and concerns about potential inflationary effects.

It's important to note that these developments are evolving, and the full impact will depend on subsequent negotiations and potential retaliatory actions by affected countries.

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