An Australia Post red street posting box stands alongside an express post box in Sydney, Australia, August 26, 2025. — Reuters +9Global Postal Disruption: 25 Countries Suspend U.S. Shipments Amid New Tariff Policy
25 Countries Suspend U.S. Shipments Amid New Tariff Policy: Global Postal Disruption
Discover how the elimination of the U.S. "de minimis" exemption has led to the suspension of postal shipments from 25 countries, impacting global trade and consumer deliveries.
An Australia Post red street posting box stands alongside an express post box in Sydney, Australia, August 26, 2025. — Reuters GENEVA: A UN agency responsible for the postal sector said on Tuesday that 25 of its member states have suspended goods consignments to the United States amid...
In a significant development affecting international trade and logistics, 25 countries have temporarily halted postal shipments to the United States. This move comes in response to the U.S. administration's decision to eliminate the "de minimis" exemption, which previously allowed low-value packages to enter the country duty-free.Newsweek+11China Daily Asia+11The Times of India+11
What Is the "De Minimis" Exemption?
The "de minimis" exemption was a longstanding policy that permitted goods valued under $800 to be imported into the U.S. without incurring customs duties. This policy facilitated the flow of small packages, including e-commerce items and personal gifts, into the country with minimal paperwork and processing time.AP News+2AP News+2
The Suspension of Shipments
The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international mail services, reported that 25 of its member countries have suspended outbound postal services to the U.S. Countries such as Australia, Norway, Switzerland, India, and Japan have publicly announced these suspensions. The suspensions are attributed to uncertainties surrounding the new U.S. customs regulations and the lack of preparation time for international postal operators.ABC News+4CGTN News+4UPU+4Michael West+2The News+2AP News+3AP News+3CGTN News+3
Impact on Global Trade and Consumers
The suspension of shipments has far-reaching implications for global trade and consumers. E-commerce businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on cross-border trade, are facing challenges in delivering products to U.S. customers. Consumers may experience delays in receiving online orders, and the increased costs associated with the new tariffs could lead to higher prices for goods.www.ndtv.com+8Reddit+8The Times of India+8The Times of India
UPU's Response and Ongoing Efforts
The UPU has expressed concerns about the short implementation timeline of the new U.S. customs regulations and is working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure that information on the operational requirements is communicated effectively to other member countries. The UPU is also collaborating with relevant postal stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that will facilitate the continued flow of international mail and packages.The Times of India+5UPU+5AP News+5
Looking Ahead
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how quickly international postal services can adapt to the new U.S. customs regulations. The UPU's efforts to coordinate with U.S. authorities and develop solutions are crucial in minimizing disruptions to global mail services and ensuring that consumers and businesses can continue to engage in cross-border trade.