The global flow of parcels to the United States has been thrown into chaos after several countries temporarily suspended shipments following the Trump administration’s removal of the “de minimis” tariff exemption. The exemption, which allowed shipments of goods worth $800 or less to enter the US duty-free, which were eliminated starting August 26.
The new rules, aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing by slowing low-cost imports, have triggered disruptions in postal networks and e-commerce supply chains. Small businesses and individual sellers worldwide are struggling to find alternatives as parcels face duties ranging from $80 to $200 depending on the country’s tariff rate.
List of places suspending some US parcel shipments
Australia Post has temporarily partially suspended postal services to the US and Puerto Rico, effective August 26, citing changes in US customs rules and the elimination of the de minimis exemption. “We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers,” the postal service said. Australian retailers, including e-commerce brands, have reported significant logistical challenges.
“This response is in-line with action taken by numerous postal operators internationally,” it added.
Japan Post announced a temporary suspension of small parcels valued over $100 destined for the US, effective August 27. Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa said alternative shipping options remain available, but the move is expected to affect low-value e-commerce shipments.
Chunghwa Post has stopped sending small parcels to the US from August 26. The postal service cited a lack of a global system to prepay customs duties and the suspension of merchandise mail by contracted carriers.
The country's postal service, called Chunghwa Post, said it has stopped delivering packages as “the global postal system has not yet provided a service allowing senders to prepay customs duty, and Chunghwa Post’s contracted carriers have also announced suspension of merchandise mail deliveries," as quoted by CNN.
India’s postal service has temporarily suspended some outbound shipments to the US, noting logistical challenges and uncertainty over the new tariff rules.
Thailand Post has announced a temporary halt on certain parcels to the US, especially low-value shipments, due to the removal of the de minimis exemption.
Korea Post has suspended some parcel deliveries to the US, though customers can still send items via private carriers such as UPS.
New Zealand Post has temporarily stopped some outbound mail to the US, citing uncertainty over customs and tariff compliance under the new rules.
Hongkong Post has stopped accepting surface mail to the US immediately, and air mail items from April 27. The move was described as a response to “bullying” tariff hikes by the US administration.
European postal operators and DHL have joined the wave of suspensions, with DHL halting acceptance of shipments to the US from August 25. The move affects low-value parcels from individuals and small businesses.
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