jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

From eBay -

"The Internet now allows small ecommerce businesses to reach customers anywhere in the world. Policies that help cross-border transactions move smoothly and seamlessly are good for consumers and for small businesses alike. But right now, there is a proposal in Washington that would make these transactions slower and more expensive by lowering the "de minimis" customs threshold. The de minimis threshold is the value below which goods can be shipped into a country before duties and taxes are assessed. Lowering the de minimis customs threshold would be a huge setback, unnecessarily taxing small businesses and consumers, and impeding the ability of US small businesses to readily accept international returns and compete with international firms in the global marketplace."

And -

"Dear [Official],
As your constituent, I strongly encourage you to sign the Blumenauer/Buchanan/Kind/Schweikert letter opposing a reduction in the US de minimis customs threshold in the USMCA implementing legislation. Small ecommerce businesses and consumers have benefited greatly from Congress increasing the de minimis threshold from $200 to $800 in the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. But now, the administration is seeking authority to unilaterally lower the de minimis threshold, without buy-in from Congress. Access to global markets is critical for American small businesses and consumers, and lowering the de minimis would make it harder for Americans who buy and sell globally. I respectfully urge you to reject this proposal and sign the Blumenauer/Buchanan/Kind/Schweikert letter opposing a reduction in the de minimis.

Sincerely,"

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

ah, but can the US have a trade embargo on Amazon?....they obviously can't get them to pay taxes (nor can anyone else). They are looking at opening 'till less' stores in the UK where you simple walk in with your credit card and the store automatically reads the bar codes of the goods on exit.....will they match the internet price on goods? AND who's internet price?

The internet is closing shops and also the number of lines that they carry. Less shops less shop workers. Less tills, less till workers.

Finland created a minimum wage paid to all its citizens whether they worked or not....Rather than a seporate 'benefit' for the unemployed. Every other country in Europe Flinched and said 'no way'! But as 'real work' becomes scarce something will have to be done....Perhaps a government 'tally' on goods sold electronically may make a difference, but probably not.

I once wondered how The Roman Empire and The Spanish Empire became the two poorest countries in Europe......In the UK we are all learning to become peasants...! Everyone except the super rich pay tax......!