The rule that let low-value goods enter the United States duty-free came to an end on Friday for shipments from China and Hong Kong, prompting Temu to end direct sales to U.S. consumers. (The Logic)

Talking point: The rapid growth of e-commerce has dramatically increased the volume of packages arriving in the U.S., mostly from China, sparking concerns among both Republicans and Democrats the exemption was being used to avoid national security tariffs or import contraband. President Donald Trump initially scrapped the de minimis exemption for China in February when he imposed tariffs linked to fentanyl, but quickly reversed the decision to give the Commerce Department time to figure out how to handle the massive uptick in inspections and duties. As of 12:01 a.m. EDT on Friday, shipments worth under US$800 face a 120 per cent tariff, or a flat rate of US$100 that will increase to US$200 beginning June 1. Chinese e-commerce giant Temu announced it will now fulfill U.S. orders from sellers within that country.