Global Postal Services Suspend US Deliveries Amid New Tariff Regime
International postal services, including Mexico's, have suspended package deliveries to the US following new tariffs that eliminated exemptions, disrupting global e-commerce and impacting consumers.
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Overview
- Mexico's national postal service, Correos de México, has officially suspended all package deliveries destined for the United States, joining a broader trend of international postal operators ceasing shipments.
- This widespread suspension follows the US ending its century-old de minimis rule, which previously exempted small delivery packages valued at $800 or less from tariffs and fees.
- The elimination of this exemption now subjects billions of low-value packages to steep tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%, with charges between $80 and $200 per item.
- Over 30 countries, including those in Europe, Japan, and Australia, have suspended package shipments to the US, citing logistical compliance challenges from the new tariff changes.
- This development significantly impacts international mail and e-commerce, creating disruptions for both senders and recipients of packages in the US, affecting millions of daily shipments.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the end of the de minimis exemption by emphasizing its disruptive impact on consumers and small businesses. They highlight potential higher prices, reduced product variety, and logistical challenges for international sellers. The coverage also notes the "loophole" aspect and the swift, confusing nature of the policy change, underscoring widespread concern.
"The elimination of de minimis represents a logistical challenge."
BBC News"The de minimis exemption for low-value packages sent to the United States ended Friday, wreaking havoc on international shipping as mail companies, businesses and consumers try to navigate the new rules."
NBC News"The end of the “de minimis” exemption, which applies to packages valued under $800, has sparked concern and confusion among international exporters and mail carriers."
Semafor"U.S. shoppers ordering smaller goods from abroad are being met with waves of cancellation notices ahead of a key trade rule change ordered by the Trump administration."
NBC NewsArticles (10)
Center (4)
FAQ
Mexico suspended package deliveries because the U.S. ended its de minimis rule that previously exempted packages valued at $800 or less from tariffs and fees, resulting in increased costs and operational challenges for postal services.
The de minimis rule exempted imported goods valued at $800 or less from tariffs and fees; the U.S. eliminated this exemption starting August 29, 2025, subjecting all packages, regardless of value, to tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%.
Over 30 countries, including Australia, Britain, Germany, South Korea, and Japan, have suspended package shipments to the United States following the tariff changes.
The suspension disrupts global e-commerce and postal delivery, leading to fewer available products, increased costs for small businesses exporting goods, and logistical challenges for both senders and recipients in the U.S.
Mexico is engaging in dialogues with U.S. authorities and international postal organizations to establish new operational processes and mechanisms that will allow for an orderly resumption of services while providing certainty to users.
History
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4 articles