There’s been a lot of confusion over President Donald Trump’s new executive order that ended the duty-free‘de minimis’ exemption for small packages under $800. 

Many are wondering if the change means higher costs or delayed deliveries here on Guam. 

KUAM News sorts through the facts and the responses from local officials.

When the president signed Executive Order 14324 a month ago, ending the duty-free exemption for low-value imports, headlines across the U.S. warned of higher prices and shipping delays.  But what does it mean for our island?

Guam has been a duty-free port for decades, outside the federal customs territory.

The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency confirms the executive order does not apply in Guam.

"We are not enforcing this executive order, as it does not apply to Guam since Guam falls outside of the U.S. Customs territory of the United States. Guam’s customs administration is enforced through local customs regulations and laws pursuant to P.L. 01-002," said Guam CQA Public Information Officer Alana Chargualaf-Afaisen. "Guam is a duty-free port and no duties or tariffs are assessed on goods imported from all places outside of Guam by the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency." 

Still, the order has caused ripple effects through the US Postal Service system, which Guam relies on for much of its mail.

USPS strategic communications specialist John Hyatt tells KUAM the Postal Service is still reviewing the local impacts and gathering a response. 

KUAM also reached out to US Customs for clarification whether goods routed through a stateside hub first before reaching Guam will still face federal duties.

Meanwhile, Congressman James Moylan’s Office says incoming mail and packages, including medicine, are not impacted.

Letters and flats continue moving out. But some outgoing packages with goods are temporarily on hold as USPS and US Customs work through compliance.

Moylan said, “Our office is in regular contact with USPS and federal partners. Mail services remain stable, and most day-to-day delivery continues as usual. We’re making sure Guam’s needs are fully considered.”

The delegate’s office acknowledges the confusion and says it is pushing for clear, written guidance so the public receives consistent updates.

Until there’s clarification, Guam residents should expect possible delays and watch for new charges when shopping online.