De Minimis Exemption Suspension Creates Acquisition Opportunities

Selling Your Canadian Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Value and Securing Your Legacy

The U.S. government's suspension of its de minimis exemption on Aug. 29, 2025, is altering trade dynamics across North America and presenting strategic advantages for Canadian companies in the $5 million to $50 million annual revenue segment.

Under Executive Order 14324, imports valued under $800 no longer receive duty-free entry or expedited customs processing. While this adds costs to low-value shipments from Canada, it enhances the competitiveness of Canadian exports under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Goods meeting USMCA rules of origin qualify for preferential tariffs, often zero, compared with 10% to 60% duties on many Chinese imports. Estimates suggest U.S. households could incur an additional $136 annually on affected goods, increasing demand for reliable North American suppliers.

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