That left the Schippers facing what’s known as delivery duty unpaid, where carriers like UPS, FedEx or DHL collect tariffs upon delivery. It can surprise customers who don’t realize their online orders can come from anywhere around the world.
Jack Stillman, a 24-year-old Mitchell Hamline law student, spends his few free hours building models of characters from the “Gundam” sci-fi anime franchise. He is one of the people feeling the loss of the de minimis.
In recent months, Stillman’s once affordable escape has become less so: A kit that used to cost $20 now totals $25. He stocked up on figures and supplies before Trump lifted the exemption, saving about $100. Now, he’s just buying less.
Joseph Ratliff V, who also collects Gundam kits, said the increased costs stretch to imported teas, clothing and snacks.
“You shouldn’t have to say, ‘I can’t have hobbies anymore because somebody decided they didn’t like another country,’” he said.
Moona Moono owner Angie Lee, center, visits with customers Lexi Han, 18, left, and Claire Chen, 18, at the Minneapolis coffee shop in June. (Leila Navidi/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
At Kinoko Kids in south Minneapolis, co-owner Erika Olson Gross quietly did the math behind the cheerful displays of German wooden toys and Japanese stationery.
