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0 pointsreaperman1y ago0 comments

Why stop the packages though? Just make the shipper declare a value and let the receiver pay the tariff if they want their package.

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8 comments · 3 top-level

graeme1y ago· 2 in thread

My guess is customs isn't prepared to inspect that volume of packages and would need to up their infrastructure to handle it.

reapermanOP1y ago

The USA doesn't inspect every package -- almost all current tariffs are on the honor system. They could start by checking every 1 in 10,000 packages and then build up the system until they're spot-checking x in 100.

Customs doesn't even know what half the shit is. If I order a quarter-pound of palladium for $4,000 from China, but pay tariffs on 4 ounces of lead (say, $5), do you really think customs can tell the difference? They open the package, see a chunk of metal, and go "okie dokey". Yes, sometimes they'll whip out an XRP gun and double-check the alloy, but not for a completely random & arbitrary 4-ounce package.

This will happen for every. single. product.

graeme1y ago

They got rid of the de minimis exemption. Now every package needs to pay duty.

They may not inspect the package but they still have to collect duty on it.

I live in Canada where our de minimis exemption is like $20. Generally when a package comes to in it is help at the border where a broker certifies it for customs. Below $20 there's no broker.

Now you need brokers etc for every single package. Def more paperwork even if they keep the same inspection ratio.

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92834092321y ago· 2 in thread

Trump and Elon apparently don't know how to do anything without first blowing it up.

anigbrowl1y ago

It's divide and conquer tactics. They are not interested in continuity or a smoothly functioning economy. They want chaos and panic because they can exploit it.

ozmodiar1y ago

The problem is they've already threatened most of their allies. In divide and conquer the goal is supposed to be to divide your enemies, not divide yourself from your allies. As it is their enemies and allies now have good reason to work together.

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Stealthisbook1y ago· 1 in thread

The sticking point isn't the value of the tax, it's having to individually generate the paperwork for each shipment.

Scoundreller1y ago

Customs could just… not.

It’s at their discretion, just like someone bringing in more than their exemption of beer and deciding not not to charge duty.

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