Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2
The Trump administration eliminated the duty-free exemption for international parcels valued under $800, effectively imposing tariffs on previously exempt online purchases and international shipments. This policy change affects e-commerce and consumer purchasing.
This is a routine trade policy adjustment within standard executive authority over tariffs and customs regulations. A-score is minimal (3.53) with only modest rule_of_law (1) for potential arbitrary application and capture (2) for possible protectionist economic favoritism. No constitutional mechanisms are triggered - this is normal executive branch regulatory authority over international commerce. B-score (13.24) reflects moderate media attention around consumer impact and 'Trump tariff' narrative but lacks viral potential. The policy is reversible, has precedent in trade adjustments, and affects consumers broadly but without constitutional dimension. Clear noise event: routine policy change generating predictable coverage without structural democratic impact.
Monitor for: (1) discriminatory application favoring specific industries/donors (capture escalation), (2) use as precedent for broader unilateral trade restrictions without congressional input, (3) retaliation spiral affecting constitutional commerce clause boundaries. This is standard executive trade policy unless it becomes vehicle for constitutional overreach.