Two recent US trade policy shifts could have important consequences for New Zealand exporters, according to the latest report from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT).
From 29 August, the de minimis rule was suspended, removing the US$800 duty-free threshold for small parcels. All shipments are now subject to tariffs, with only gifts under US$100 being exempt. This is a significant change for e-commerce and smaller exporters relying on low-value shipments. NZ Post and other postal services are adjusting their operations to take account of this significant policy change.
In a separate development, on 29th August 2025 the US Court of Appeals ruled that President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs’ imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful, confirming that broad tariff powers rest with Congress. This ruling has implications for the additional 15% tariffs applied to New Zealand goods exports. However those tariffs will remain in place until 14 October pending a possible Supreme Court appeal.
These changes underline the evolving US trade environment and the need for exporters to stay closely informed.
Read more in MFAT’s Global Economic Report