News
Biden Administration Targets Shein and Temu in Crackdown on Trade Loophole Abuse
The Biden administration unveiled a series of measures on Friday aimed at curbing the “overuse and abuse” of the de minimis trade loophole, which allows low-value shipments to enter the U.S. without import duties or extensive scrutiny. A new proposed rule would block shipments subject to U.S.-China tariffs from using this exemption, a move that directly impacts Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu.
The de minimis loophole permits packages valued at less than $800 to bypass import fees and has seen a dramatic rise in usage, growing from 140 million to over a billion shipments in the last decade, according to White House estimates. The surge has been largely driven by companies like Shein and Temu, which ship low-cost clothing and household goods from China to U.S. consumers.
Officials argue that the increased volume of such shipments has made it harder to regulate and block unsafe or illegal imports. “The drastic increase in de minimis shipments has made it increasingly difficult to target and block illegal or unsafe shipments,” said Daleep Singh, deputy national security advisor for international economics.
The proposed rule would particularly affect products subject to tariffs under Section 301, Section 201, and Section 232, which apply to many Chinese imports, especially textiles. According to Singh, this change could significantly reduce the number of Chinese shipments using the de minimis exemption, impacting around 70% of textile and apparel imports from China.
Additionally, the administration plans to implement stricter reporting requirements for these shipments, including the need for more detailed data like tariff classification numbers. The White House also urged Congress to pass legislation to further overhaul the de minimis rules.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings
Coldplay Set to Break Taylor Swift’s Wembley Record with 10-Night Run
Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work Following Misuse of Funds
-
Spotlight4 days agoTop Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports3 days ago‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business4 days agoBritish Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
Sports4 days agoBarcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
News4 days agoJapan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days agoDeadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports4 days agoStones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News2 days agoCaroline Ellison Sentenced to Two Years in Prison, Ordered to Forfeit $11 Billion in FTX Fraud Case