U.S. lawmakers push for clampdown on tariff-dodging Chinese imports

Proposals include tightening 'de minimis' import rules, stronger enforcement

20240815 N De minimis

About 1 billion packages arrived in the U.S. duty free through the de minimis law in the first half of 2024, according to customs authorities. © Reuters

PAK YIU, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers aims to crack down on Chinese goods coming into the country through customs loopholes, in a move that could change American shopping habits and business models.

Legislators say Chinese companies are skirting tariffs designed to protect U.S. businesses and restrictions on goods allegedly made using Uyghur forced labor. The group of Democratic and Republican senators introduced a bill earlier this month called the Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act, which would tighten rules for products imported through what is known as de minimis entry.

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