A Latin term that’s been little-known outside the world of customs brokers has suddenly become the stuff of headlines. Along with imposing new 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports as of Feb. 4, US President Donald Trump ordered the suspension of his country’s special rules for “de minimis” merchandise from China and Hong Kong.

President Trump reinstates the de minimis tariff exemption, allowing for tax-free imports on goods under a certain value threshold.

Friday saw the president reopen the floodgates for millions of duty-free shipments from e-commerce firms like Shein and Temu.

President Trump delayed his plans to close a trade loophole for China that allows small shipments to avoid duties and customs inspections. Trump on Friday signed an amendment to pause his earlier executive order,

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order delaying tariffs on de minimis, or low-cost, packages from China until the Commerce Department can confirm that procedures and systems are in place to process packages and collect tariff revenue.