ThredUp Applauds Closure of De Minimis Loophole: A Win for Sustainable Fashion
Company Statement
ThredUp applauds the recent decision to close the de minimis exemption, a critical step in addressing the unsustainable flow of ultra-fast fashion into the U.S. This policy change will increase the cost of cheaply produced, disposable clothing imported from China, directly impacting the business model that fuels overproduction and environmental degradation.
For years, the de minimis loophole has provided an unfair advantage to fast fashion retailers, enabling them to flood the market with low-cost, short-lived items while circumventing import duties. ThredUp has been a leading voice on this issue as the de minimis loophole has contributed significantly to the textile waste crisis, where millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills annually.
As highlighted in our 13th Annual Resale Report, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their fashion choices. Our data shows a strong desire for government policies that support sustainable alternatives like resale. In fact, nearly 59% of consumers surveyed stated they would turn to more affordable secondhand options if new clothing prices increase due to higher tariffs. Among different generations, Millennials are most likely to make this shift, with 69% indicating they would consider secondhand options more often if new clothes became more expensive. By leveling the playing field, this tariff order encourages a shift towards a more circular economy, where clothing is given a second life, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
We believe that making fast fashion more expensive will incentivize consumers to choose quality, durability, and secondhand options. ThredUp sees this policy as a significant win for both the environment and the future of sustainable fashion. We will continue to advocate for policies that promote circularity and responsible consumption, and we encourage consumers to join us in making conscious choices that support a healthier planet.
About ThredUp
ThredUp is transforming resale with technology and a mission to inspire the world to think secondhand first. By making it easy to buy and sell secondhand, ThredUp has become one of the world's largest online resale platforms for apparel, shoes and accessories. Sellers love ThredUp because we make it easy to clean out their closets and unlock value for themselves or for the charity of their choice while doing good for the planet. Buyers love shopping value, premium and luxury brands all in one place, at up to 90% off estimated retail price. Our proprietary operating platform is the foundation for our managed marketplace and consists of distributed processing infrastructure, proprietary software and systems and data science expertise. With ThredUp’s Resale-as-a-Service, some of the world's leading brands and retailers are leveraging our platform to deliver customizable, scalable resale experiences to their customers. ThredUp has processed over 172 million unique secondhand items from 55,000 brands across 100 categories. By extending the life cycle of clothing, ThredUp is changing the way consumers shop and ushering in a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
Media Contact:
Laura Hogya
media@thredup.com