Last week, new U.S. customs changes came into effect that significantly alter the conditions for all those sending goods across the Atlantic. As of August 29, the United States has abolished the de minimis exemption for shipments valued under $800, meaning that all shipments entering the U.S. are now subject to customs procedures, regardless of value or country of origin.
The new regulation means that all shipments are subject to duties and taxes at applicable rates and to either informal or formal customs clearance procedures. Senders are already feeling increased import costs that are charged based on product specifications, type of goods, or country of origin. The changes apply globally to all types of transport, including express carriers and postal services.
Impact on Croatian Exporters
Marin Škufca, one of the owners and CEO of Liburnia Maritime Agency, explained to us what impact these changes will have on Croatian companies.
– It is certain that this will also affect small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the e-commerce sector. Namely, small and medium-sized enterprises have already been in an extremely competitive market game that has just become less favorable – claims Škufca.
He also emphasizes that this situation further highlights the need for a more active commercial approach to alternative markets so that producers can avoid such shocks caused by political decisions.
However, the largest customers of Liburnia are manufacturers with technologically demanding products, so the products of their customers often exceed amounts of one million dollars per specific product. However, even such products are, adds Škufca, sensitive to competitiveness and the effects of tariffs and U.S. trade policy.
– Of course, the primary goal of introducing tariffs in the U.S. is to stimulate domestic production capacities, but the U.S. is also aware of the extent to which they depend on foreign trade and how far they can go with tariffs – adds Škufca.
