US: duties, benefits and sanctions — the Trump administration's trade and economic strategy is getting tougher

Starting from August 29, 2025, the United States will cancel the duty-free import of goods worth up to $ 800, which previously operated on the de minimis principle. This measure, approved by an executive order of President Donald Trump, closes the possibility for direct deliveries of low-cost goods from abroad without paying duties. The main impact will be on international online retailers that work directly with American consumers.

Exceptions are provided only for personal items of travelers (up to $ 200) and gifts worth no more than $ 100. The authorities explain this measure by the need to combat the illegal import of potentially dangerous products, including synthetic opioids, and eliminate loopholes in the customs regulation system.

At the same time, the Trump administration is increasing tariff pressure on imports of copper products. Starting from August 1, a duty of 50 percent will be imposed on the entire range of semi-finished copper products. However, refined copper, cathodes, and concentrates are not included in the list, which allowed US industry to maintain cost stability. As the new measures were announced, global copper prices fell 20 percent — the biggest drop since 1988.

The duties are implemented in accordance with section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act and are not combined with existing tariffs on automobiles. In addition, under the Law on the Production of Defense Products, manufacturers will be required to sell at least 25 percent of certain types of copper raw materials on the domestic market, with a subsequent increase in the quota to 40 percent by 2029.

In parallel with the trade measures, the United States launched the largest sanctions attack on the Iranian oil trading network in the last seven years. The Finance Ministry has imposed restrictions on dozens of courts, companies and individuals associated with the business structures of Hossein Shamkhani, the son of one of the closest advisers to the spiritual leader of Iran.

The sanctions affected the oil supply chain from Iran and Russia, which investigations showed was managed through affiliated companies registered in the UK, the UAE and Switzerland. According to the US authorities, the group's activities helped circumvent international restrictions and finance programs that Washington considers a threat to international security.

The White House confirmed that the sanctions are aimed at reducing Iran's export revenues and putting pressure on its nuclear program. A decree was also signed on the introduction of additional 40 percent duties on a number of goods from Brazil, bringing the total tariff to 50 percent.

The package of measures indicates the return of the United States to an aggressive trade and sanctions policy, the priority of which is to protect national production, control strategically important supplies and strengthen geo-economic influence.