Yesterday, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) filed an important amendment to the Customs Reauthorization bill that would express the Sense of the Senate that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) should use trade negotiations to encourage our trading partner nations to increase their de minimis thresholds. The Customs Reauthorization bill is scheduled to be marked up by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee this week along with other important trade legislation, the Trade Promotion Authority.

eBay is strongly supportive of legislative efforts to increase de minimis levels not only in the U.S., but with our trading partners around the world. According to eBay data, over 90 percent of U.S. businesses using eBay Marketplaces are trading across borders. Comparatively, less than five percent of traditional businesses trade with customers outside the U.S. Unfortunately, U.S. small businesses’ ability to export is compromised because outdated customs policies around the world limit their reach. This amendment would help to address some of these small business concerns.

eBay thanks Senator Thune and Senator Bennet for their efforts to address international customs burdens for Internet-enabled small businesses and appreciates their commitment to reducing barriers to international trade. Read the letter eBay Inc. Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Tod Cohen sent to Senators Thune and Bennet.