Overview

On April 9 2025 the United States announced a sweeping 104 % duty on most goods originating from China, and the long‑standing de minimis exemption for shipments under $800 will end on May 1 2025. At the same time, Amazon opened a beta of “Buy For Me,” an AI‑powered service that can place replenishment orders using a seller’s own account credentials. Both moves reshape cost structures and automation possibilities for Amazon marketplace sellers, demanding immediate strategic adjustments.

Key Points

• 104 % tariff on China‑made items — The new duty effectively doubles the landed cost of typical Chinese imports; a $2 accessory now carries $2.08 in tariff per unit.
• De minimis exemption eliminated — Starting May 1 2025, the $800 duty‑free threshold disappears, so even a $150 sample order will incur a full 104 % tariff.
• Amazon “Buy For Me” AI beta — Sellers who opt in can let the AI browse Amazon, compare prices, and complete purchases using the seller’s stored payment method.
• Small‑batch sellers face cost shock — Those who rely on inexpensive test orders or low‑volume samples will see unit costs rise sharply once the exemption ends.
• High‑volume sellers gain automation leverage — The AI buying tool can automatically trigger restock orders, cutting manual effort and reducing the chance of ordering errors.

How the New Tariff and Amazon AI Feature Work

1. Tariff enforcement —

   • The U.S. Trade Office releases a schedule that tags most HS codes linked to Chinese manufacturers with a 104 % duty.
   • Importers must report the higher duty on their customs entry; customs then multiplies the declared value by 1.04 to calculate the tax.
   • Example: Importing 500 units of a $2 gadget from Shenzhen now requires $1,040 in tariff (500 × $2 × 1.04).

2. Removal of the de minimis exemption —

   • Previously, any shipment valued at $800 or less entered the U.S. duty‑free, allowing sellers to test new products with minimal expense.