An executive order signed by President Donald Trump will eliminate the de minimis exemption, affecting small business owners who rely on duty-free international orders under $800. The change is set to take effect this Friday.

The de minimis exemption previously allowed small businesses to import goods valued at less than $800 without paying duties, a benefit that many local business owners have utilized to keep costs down. With the exemption's removal, these businesses will now face additional costs, potentially impacting their pricing and sourcing strategies.

"That's tougher because margins are already small," said Kathy Evanoff, owner of Lavender Blue, a clothing boutique in the Colony Plaza.

Dorothy Benson, owner of Buona Cucina Oils and More, expressed concern, stating, "The 800 goe

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