International shipping to the United States U.S. has been thrown into disarray as postal services across the globe suspend deliveries amid confusion over the Trump administration’s new tariff rules. At the heart of the issue is the rollback of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed packages worth up to $800 to enter the country duty-free. With the threshold now reduced to just $100, millions of low-value shipments face new tariffs, leaving international carriers scrambling to comply.
Instead of navigating unclear collection and reporting requirements, several countries including Germany, Belgium, Korea, and Singapore have temporarily halted shipments to the U.S. The resulting disruptions are set to impact consumers most, particularly low-income households who rely heavily on affordable international goods.
International Deliveries Face Major Disruptions
If you’re waiting on a package from overseas, prepare for delays. A growing number of international postal services have temporarily stopped sending shipments to the United States due to uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s revised tariff policies.
The De Minimis Exemption at the Center of the Dispute
The issue revolves around the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs. Each day, roughly four million such packages—over 1.35 billion annually—arrive duty-free.
The administration has rolled back this exemption, lowering the threshold to just $100. Anything above that amount will now be subject to tariffs based on the country of origin.
Postal Services Halt Shipments
The new rules, scheduled to take effect on August 29, have left many postal authorities uncertain about compliance and reporting requirements. Rather than navigate the confusion, several have suspended shipments to the U.S.:
- Korea Post will stop deliveries beginning Tuesday.
- Singapore’s SingPost and Austria’s postal service will halt shipments a day earlier.
- Norway and Finland will suspend services starting Saturday.
- Belgium will stop on Friday.
- Deutsche Post (Germany) and the Czech Republic’s postal service have already ceased U.S. shipments.
- Australia and the United Kingdom have announced temporary suspensions while they review the new policies.
Global Uncertainty and Economic Impact
The policy shift is causing frustration abroad and raising questions about stability in U.S. trade practices. Critics argue that the abrupt changes risk undermining trust in American markets.
Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) suggests that the elimination of the de minimis exemption will disproportionately affect low-income Americans. Households in the poorest ZIP codes could face tariffs averaging 12%, nearly double the rate for wealthier areas. Overall, the policy may reduce consumer welfare by $11–13 billion annually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are countries suspending mail to the United States?
Many international postal services have halted shipments due to confusion over new U.S. tariff rules, which lower the duty-free threshold from $800 to $100.
What is the de minimis exemption?
It is a U.S. trade policy that previously allowed packages valued at $800 or less to enter the country without tariffs.
When will the new rules take effect?
The policy is scheduled to begin on August 29, though some countries have already suspended shipments in anticipation.
Which countries have stopped sending packages?
Germany, Belgium, Korea, Singapore, Austria, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, and others have announced suspensions.
How will this affect consumers?
Shoppers in the U.S. can expect delays in overseas deliveries and higher prices, as tariffs will apply to most goods over $100.
Who will be most affected?
Research shows that low-income households will bear the greatest burden, with average tariffs nearly doubling compared to wealthier ZIP codes.
Will shipments eventually resume?
Yes. The suspensions are expected to be temporary, but exact timelines depend on how quickly U.S. authorities clarify compliance requirements.
Conclusion
The suspension of international mail deliveries to the United States underscores the far-reaching impact of sudden policy shifts. By lowering the de minimis exemption from $800 to $100, the administration has created confusion for global postal services and significant uncertainty for American consumers. While these suspensions are likely to be temporary, the disruptions highlight deeper concerns about the stability and predictability of U.S. trade practices.