Delivery Dilemma: Global Postal Services Suspend US Shipments Amid Tariff Turmoil

As the US economy braces for significant changes in import taxes, major global postal services like Royal Mail and DHL are hit hard, suspending some US deliveries. This shift follows an executive order from President Trump, eliminating the global import tax exemption for low-value parcels, which takes effect on August 29.

While gifts worth under $100 remain duty-free, all other packages will now be subject to tariffs akin to other goods from their countries of origin. This abrupt decision has led several postal services to pause deliveries until new compliance systems can be established.

Royal Mail announced its withdrawal from US export services for businesses as it works on a plan to adapt quickly to these new US de minimis requirements, emphasizing cooperation with US authorities. Meanwhile, common consumer routes for inexpensive goods from platforms like Shein and Temu previously benefited from a de minimis exemption up to $800, which has now been scrapped to tackle rising issues linked to illegal shipping and drug trafficking.

DHL, alongside Deutsche Post, has temporarily ceased parcel delivery to the US for business clients, citing unresolved questions surrounding duty payments. PostNord and other service providers like Etsy are also adjusting their policies as they await clarity on tariff guidelines. The Trump administration cites a surge in de minimis shipments in recent years as a driving factor behind this regulatory shift. While this new measure does not impact personal items brought by travelers under $200, the broader implications for international shipping are clear and require urgent attention from businesses and consumers alike.