European Postal Services Suspend US Shipments Amid New Import Tariffs
European postal services are suspending most merchandise shipments to the U.S. due to new import tariffs and the elimination of duty-free exemptions for packages.
Overview
- European postal services, including those in Germany, France, and the UK, are suspending most merchandise shipments to the U.S. due to new import tariffs.
- The suspension is primarily driven by President Trump's decree, which subjects previously exempt international goods to U.S. tariffs starting August 29.
- This action follows the elimination of the duty-free exemption for packages valued under $800, creating uncertainty and compliance challenges for postal services.
- Countries like Austria and Italy announced temporary halts, with some services ceasing acceptance of goods destined for the U.S. as early as August 23.
- Most merchandise shipments are affected, but letters, books, gifts, and small parcels under $100 remain exempt, with private carriers like DHL Express continuing operations.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced array of perspectives on the new tariff rules and their impact. They attribute strong language to specific sources and focus on reporting the factual consequences and rationales from all sides, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
"The end of an exemption on tariff duties for low-value packages coming into the United States is causing multiple international postal services to pause shipping as they await more clarity on the rule."
Fortune"As a result, DHL Group says, it's suspending business shipments to the U.S. through Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany."
NPR"Many European postal services say they are pausing deliveries now because they cannot guarantee the goods will enter the U.S. before Aug. 29."
CBS News"Many European postal services say they are pausing deliveries now because they cannot guarantee the goods will enter the U.S. before Aug. 29."
ABC News"The end of an exemption on tariff duties for low-value packages coming into the United States is causing multiple international postal services to pause shipping as they await more clarity on the rule."
Associated PressArticles (10)
Center (5)
FAQ
The U.S. government eliminated the duty-free exemption for packages valued under $800, subjecting them to a 15% tariff, which led European postal services to suspend most merchandise shipments to the U.S.
Postal services in Germany, France, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Norway, and others have suspended or restricted shipments to the U.S. starting around August 23, 2025.
Most merchandise shipments are suspended, but letters, books, gifts, and small parcels under $100 remain exempt. Private carriers like DHL Express continue to operate some services under restrictions.
Postal operators face uncertainty about tariff payment responsibilities, incomplete technical details from U.S. authorities, and an extremely limited timeframe to prepare for compliance by August 29, 2025.
The U.S. government cited the goal to combat illegal and abusive practices, including the importation of illicit drugs like fentanyl, as the reason for ending the de minimis tariff exemption.
History
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