US tariff hike on small orders to harm trade

Longstanding practice had rendered low-value foreign shipments duty free

The United States government's latest move to raise tariffs on small packages and low-value items imported from China will disrupt normal international trade order and harm the interests of US consumers, while prompting Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms to adjust supply chain networks and diversify their business layouts in emerging markets, experts said.

In the face of rising trade protectionism and unilateral bullying, China's cross-border online retailers should accelerate the establishment of overseas warehouses, and enhance brand competitiveness globally by improving the added value of products, to navigate challenges from Washington's sweeping tariff hikes, they added.

Their comments came on the heels of the US administration's announcement that shipments valued at or under $800 from China to the US will face 120 percent tariffs- or $100 per item from May 2 to June 1, and then $200 per item beginning June 1. Prior to that, the Trump administration has decided to end the duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value imports, starting on May 2.