With US tariffs continuing to dominate the headlines, two more UK gift suppliers give their views on the ongoing situation.
“One thing that has come to our attention, via an email from Faire, is that the Trump administration recently proposed significant changes to the de minimis rule to change the dynamics of international trade,” explains Paul Banyard, co-founder of Cotton & Grey. “This law has long been a pillar of cross-border trade, especially for small enterprises and e-commerce platforms, as it permits imports worth less than $800 to enter the US duty-free.”
Continues Paul: “However, while this exemption for imports from China, Canada, and Mexico was revoked by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on February 1, 2025, the UK is unaffected and so smaller order remain tariff free. Also, there is a special focus on reducing the power of Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu.”
Daniel Fagan, managing director of Talking Tables, adds: “Like everyone, US tariffs have been front of mind for us. We have been moving our production closer to home over the past few years and obviously we have upped the pace. It was really pleasing to have a landmark month in March when our sourcing from Europe and Turkey accounted for 63% of our production.”
Top: From left to right: Daniel Fagan, managing director of Talking Tables and Paul Banyard, co-founder of Cotton & Grey.
