Getting entrepreneurs the opportunities they deserve

Small and medium-sized businesses are responsible for more than two-thirds of all jobs globally and account for most new job creation. Entrepreneurs aren’t just the heroes of their own stories, they’re the heroes of their national economies. 

That’s why we’re champions of open trade. We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of open markets for merchants and their communities. Open trade doesn’t simply even the playing field—it creates a larger one filled with infinite opportunities.

Whether operating from a small home office or a sprawling commercial facility, entrepreneurs should have the freedom to expand without constraints imposed by geopolitical brinkmanship. Trade serves as a crucial lifeline for ambitious entrepreneurs who are eager to challenge the status quo, level up their brands, and make a global impact while maintaining local roots.

De minimis protections are crucial for small businesses in international trade. They exempt low-value shipments from taxes and duties, keeping costs low and improving competitiveness worldwide. And for many, these provisions are critical to survival.

Without small-business protections, legitimate entrepreneurs suffer under policies intended to curb exploitation. This hikes costs, disrupts supply chains, and hinders cross-border trade. Rather than eliminating de minimis altogether or raising trade barriers through tariffs, countries should streamline customs processes, improve digital duty collection, and prioritize global trade competitiveness.

Reforms should carefully target exploitation by some that exploit the de minimis exemption to flood the market with cheap products. Addressing this abuse is justified, but small businesses can’t become collateral damage. 

Consider the impact: global merchandise trade sits at more than $24 trillion, with Shopify merchants alone moving billions across borders, illustrating the grassroots impact of vibrant trade. These numbers tell the story of real people carving out a livelihood and finding prosperity in a global market.

We believe everyone—from the solo sellers to the household names—deserves a fair crack at winning the market. Yet, when trade policies tighten and diplomatic efforts falter, the smallest players suffer most. We advocate for trade rules that protect and empower every business, especially the underdogs.

We continue to build and ship fast to help merchants succeed in any environment. All Shopify merchants can now display and collect duties during checkout, and consumers can easily shop from their home country using Shop app’s new search filter. Soon, we’ll release new updates aimed at simplifying the handling of international sales.

We’re privileged to be part of entrepreneurs’ journeys and take that job seriously. For entrepreneurship to have a place in the world, it needs more open doors, not less. Shopify will continue to open doors as we build for entrepreneurs everywhere.