By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Due to new US import tax regulations, postal services like Royal Mail and DHL are suspending some US deliveries. These changes eliminate the global import tax exemption on low-value parcels, meaning most packages will now face tariffs. While gifts under $100 remain duty-free, the shift aims to combat deceptive shipping practices and duty circumvention. Several postal services and online marketplaces are working to adapt to the new rules, with some temporarily halting or suspending services to ensure compliance.
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Royal Mail and DHL halt some US deliveries over tariffs, and it’s causing quite a stir. It seems like a domino effect is starting, with shipping giants from various countries pulling back on deliveries to the United States. What’s the deal? Well, the core issue revolves around tariffs, or import taxes, on goods coming into the US. The big change? The “de minimis” rule, which used to allow packages valued under $800 to enter the US tariff-free, is being scrapped or, rather, the implementation is being rushed by an executive order.
This change, which was originally slated to take effect in 2027, is now happening sooner, much sooner. This means that virtually every single package coming into the US from abroad is now potentially subject to these new import tariffs. The ramifications are already being felt. Royal Mail, DHL, and other postal services in various countries have begun to suspend deliveries to the US, citing uncertainty about the tariffs and the complexity of complying with them. It’s not just about tariffs though, some suspect new coding and sorting systems are causing problems in terms of logistical systems.
The problem isn’t just the tariffs themselves. It’s how they are applied and who is responsible for paying them. Typically, the recipient of the package (the person in the US) would be responsible for paying any applicable tariffs. However, it now seems that the shipping companies are being asked to pay the tariffs upfront and then to bill the customer when it is delivered or even bake the fees into the sale price. This adds a layer of complexity and cost that these companies are apparently not ready or willing to deal with, hence the suspension of services.
Many businesses, especially those selling small goods and specialty items, are taking drastic measures. Faced with the prospect of navigating the complex and rapidly changing tariff landscape, they are choosing to simply stop shipping to the US altogether. Think about the online shops, the independent sellers, and the specialized businesses that rely on international shipping – all potentially cutting off their US customers. This affects everyone, from individuals buying personal items to businesses procuring supplies. This is compounded by the fact that these tariffs are constantly changing.
This is impacting buyers. For some US buyers, there’s a new tax on the product that they may not have been expecting. Some US buyers may be very unhappy about having to pay extra. This also impacts on consumers who look to buy from overseas vendors, particularly when comparing prices on goods from abroad vs. domestically.
The US Postal Service (USPS) is also a significant factor. Some believe that USPS isn’t equipped to handle the massive increase in small shipment processing and tariff collection. It’s a mess. What’s truly mind-boggling is that other countries, like Germany, have a de minimis system in place with no such problems. It really does show the incompetence of this government.
The blame, it seems, is being placed squarely on the policies of the current administration and the early implementation of the changes. Many are blaming the Trump administration and his policies and voters. Those who support and voted for these changes are bearing the brunt of the disappointment, and rightfully so. It’s a huge logistical and economic blunder. The fallout is that people are losing trust and feeling betrayed by their leaders.
There is also concern about the long-term implications of these actions. Some observers believe that the new system may violate international postal laws. The US appears to be declaring that all mail must be DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which puts the onus of tariff payment on the seller.
While some say the fault lies with the government and the changes to the de minimis rule, others argue that it extends to those who failed to prevent these changes from happening. The irony is thick, isn’t it? All of this uncertainty and disruption for buyers and sellers.
The situation is still unfolding, and the long-term consequences are yet to be seen. But one thing is clear: this is not just a story about tariffs. It’s a story about global trade, political decisions, and the ripple effects they can have on everyday people and businesses around the world.