Canadian businesses can no longer ship small parcels to the U.S. duty-free after President Donald Trump’s executive order ending the de minimis exemption for goods under US$800 took effect Friday. (The Logic)

Talking point: Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers have expressed concern the exemption was being used to import contraband or evade tariffs. Now, any parcels shipped to the U.S. through private-sector couriers are hit with all applicable tariffs and taxes. For the next six months, anything shipped through the international postal system could get a potential discount through a flat fee linked to the rate of broad-based tariffs. In Canada, that would be US$200 per item. The move is likely to raise prices for American consumers used to ordering cheap goods online. It also creates a challenge for Canadian e-commerce retailers who may now need to ensure their goods comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to benefit from a carve-out from the 35 per cent tariff linked to fentanyl.