The de minimis threshold dates back to the 1930s and has only been adjusted a handful of times—most recently in 1993 and then in 2016. The 2016 increase was substantial, and in hindsight, probably too high. Still, at the time, few could have anticipated just how fully it would be exploited. The business models we’re now seeing at scale—like Temu’s—didn’t meaningfully exist back then. Even Shein was far from the force it is today.
The loophole may have been visible, but the ecosystem to take advantage of it at this level simply wasn’t in place yet. So no, this wasn’t as obvious as you’re pretending it was.
> Still, at the time, few could have anticipated just how fully it would be exploited
In 1930? Sure, you couldn't expect them to know that everyone would have a wireless telegraph in their pocket and they'd have cheaper and more skilled Chinese labor/manufacturing available.
In 2016? Really? Amazon was already going full steam. Ali Express was well known. It absolutely should have been obvious to legislators and those that lobby them professionally what would happen. How many people regularly, or even annually, buy items for over $800 from either of them?
You are either naive or a wishful thinker. Government moves slow and I have zero expectation they would have been able to see the writing on the wall. Again I think $800 was too high of a limit but I also think you give too much credit to your hindsight.
As far back as the 1950s the textile industry was against raising the de minimis threshold because they wouldn't be able to compete with duty free mail order imports. We keep increasing it. We get SHEIN. Surprised Pikachu, nobody could have foreseen this.
The loophole may have been visible, but the ecosystem to take advantage of it at this level simply wasn’t in place yet. So no, this wasn’t as obvious as you’re pretending it was.