News
August 25, 2025
European postal services suspend shipment of packages to US over tariffs
The "de minimis" exemption, which allows packages worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty free, is set to expire this week.
**European Postal Services Halt US-Bound Shipments Amid Tariff Uncertainty**
Major postal services across Europe are temporarily suspending shipments of packages to the United States, citing concerns over the impending expiration of a key trade exemption. The move, expected to cause disruptions for businesses and consumers alike, stems from uncertainty surrounding the future of the "de minimis" rule.
Currently, the "de minimis" exemption allows packages with a declared value of less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. This provision has significantly streamlined international trade, particularly for smaller businesses and individuals who frequently ship goods across the Atlantic. However, the current authorization for this exemption is set to expire this week, leaving European postal services scrambling to adapt to potentially higher costs and increased administrative burdens.
Without the "de minimis" exemption, all packages entering the U.S., regardless of their value, could be subject to tariffs and duties. This would not only increase the cost of goods for American consumers but also create significant logistical challenges for postal services, who would be responsible for collecting and remitting these payments.
The decision to suspend shipments is a precautionary measure, aimed at avoiding potential delays and complications for customers. Postal operators are reportedly awaiting clarification from U.S. authorities regarding the future of the "de minimis" rule and the implementation of any new tariff policies.
The suspension is expected to impact a wide range of goods, from small retail items and gifts to essential business supplies. Online retailers who rely on affordable international shipping to reach American customers are particularly concerned about the potential consequences.
While the duration of the suspension remains unclear, European postal services have indicated that they will resume shipments as soon as there is greater certainty about the applicable regulations. In the meantime, businesses and individuals are advised to explore alternative shipping options, although these may come with higher costs and longer delivery times. The situation is being closely monitored by trade organizations and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, all hoping for a swift resolution that minimizes disruption to international commerce.
Major postal services across Europe are temporarily suspending shipments of packages to the United States, citing concerns over the impending expiration of a key trade exemption. The move, expected to cause disruptions for businesses and consumers alike, stems from uncertainty surrounding the future of the "de minimis" rule.
Currently, the "de minimis" exemption allows packages with a declared value of less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. This provision has significantly streamlined international trade, particularly for smaller businesses and individuals who frequently ship goods across the Atlantic. However, the current authorization for this exemption is set to expire this week, leaving European postal services scrambling to adapt to potentially higher costs and increased administrative burdens.
Without the "de minimis" exemption, all packages entering the U.S., regardless of their value, could be subject to tariffs and duties. This would not only increase the cost of goods for American consumers but also create significant logistical challenges for postal services, who would be responsible for collecting and remitting these payments.
The decision to suspend shipments is a precautionary measure, aimed at avoiding potential delays and complications for customers. Postal operators are reportedly awaiting clarification from U.S. authorities regarding the future of the "de minimis" rule and the implementation of any new tariff policies.
The suspension is expected to impact a wide range of goods, from small retail items and gifts to essential business supplies. Online retailers who rely on affordable international shipping to reach American customers are particularly concerned about the potential consequences.
While the duration of the suspension remains unclear, European postal services have indicated that they will resume shipments as soon as there is greater certainty about the applicable regulations. In the meantime, businesses and individuals are advised to explore alternative shipping options, although these may come with higher costs and longer delivery times. The situation is being closely monitored by trade organizations and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, all hoping for a swift resolution that minimizes disruption to international commerce.
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Business