Last week, a group of 12 bipartisan Senators, representing states sharing a border with Canada, sent a letter to the Canadian Ambassador asking that the Canadian government consider raising their current de minimis threshold. 

Canada is the United States’ largest trading partner and with $300 billion in total goods exported to Canada each year from U.S. businesses, Canada is America’s largest export partner as well. However, Canada has one of the lowest de minimis levels, at only $20 per shipment or a personal exemption of $200 for Canadians returning from international travel. As comparison, the United States has a de minimis threshold of $200 for imported goods and $800 for travelers returning home. In addition, there is legislation pending in the U.S. Senate that would raise the level for imported goods in the U.S. to $800.

In their letter, the Senators explain the benefits that would be created if Canada would also consider raising their thresholds. “An increase in Canada’s de minimis level would have significant and positive impact on U.S.-Canada trade and help bolster increased economic growth for both countries”, wrote the Senators. “An increase would particularly benefit small and medium-sized businesses operating in e-commerce”.

Find more information on the de minimis issue and read the letter.