Most low-value goods exported to the US now subject to tariffs

As of 29th August 2025, the United States government removed the $800 de minimis threshold for commercial shipments. This change affects the vast majority of UK businesses exporting low-value goods to the United States, including items that were previously exempt from tariffs and duties.

This means there are now tariffs to pay on the vast majority of exports to the US.

For more information on what this means for sending items to the US, read the official UK government guidance.

April 2025 tariff changes

On 5th April 2025, the US Government imposed an additional 10% tariff on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on most imports from the UK.

Check the new taxes using the 'Check duties and customs procedures for exporting goods' service on GOV.UK.

These additional tariffs do not apply to:

• copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber
• energy, energy products and other minerals not available in the US

UK-US limited trade deal

On May 8th, the UK and US governments struck a limited trade deal that, according to the House of Commons Library, was "aimed at mitigating the impact of US tariffs on UK industries and deepening bilateral economic ties. The agreed tariff reductions on certain UK goods, such as steel and aluminium, are not yet in force."

Read the general terms of the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) here, where you can also read an update on the progress the UK and US have made to implement the general terms since they were agreed.

Impact of tariff announcements on the Buckinghamshire economy

According to the results of the latest Buckinghamshire Business Barometer survey, carried out by Buckinghamshire Business First, 1 in 8 Buckinghamshire businesses expected to be impacted by the tariffs on UK exports to the US, with affected businesses generally considering reorganising their business operations as a result. Read more results and analysis from the Business Barometer survey​.

Tariffs and exporting webinars

Find live and recorded webinars on trading with the US and on exporting in general on the UK Export Academy website.

Exporting to the United States: A market guide

General information on exporting from the UK to the US is available on the US Market Guide.

For an ongoing list of identified trade barriers with the US, use the Trade Barriers tool on GOV.UK.

Further exporting information and support for businesses can be found on great.gov.uk, including a step-by-step guide to exporting goods.