European Postal Services Suspend Shipments to U.S.

In late August 2025, numerous postal services across Europe announced they would halt shipments of packages to the United States in response to sweeping new U.S. tariff policies. The suspension affects goods shipments from business customers and many parcel consignments, triggered by the end of the “de minimis” tariff exemption and uncertainty around the implementation of new customs duties.

What Sparked the Suspension?

Until recently, small shipments valued under $800 entered the U.S. without incurring tariffs under the de minimis exemption. New rules mandated by President Trump’s executive order eliminated this exemption for most goods, starting August 29, 2025. Excepted are letters, books, gifts, and small parcels valued under $100, which remain tariff-free.

However, postal operators faced significant ambiguity:

Lack of clear guidance from U.S. Customs on how tariffs would be collected and managed.
No sufficient lead time or technical preparation for necessary customs system updates.
Confusion over which goods are subject to tariffs and how to remit duties properly.

As a result, major postal services including Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany, PostNord (Nordic countries), Poste Italiane (Italy), La Poste (France), Royal Mail (UK), and postal operators in Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, and several Asian countries temporarily ceased accepting shipments of goods destined for the U.S..

Impact on Consumers and Businesses

Suspension of Business Shipments: Business goods and commercial parcels to the U.S. via standard postal services were halted, disrupting supply chains and e-commerce flows.
Alternative Shipping Options: Higher-cost express services such as DHL Express remain operational but incur tariffs that businesses must factor into pricing and delivery times.
Limited Exceptions: Personal gift shipments valued below $100 are still accepted, preserving some avenues for small parcel flow.
Urgency to Ship: Postal providers urged customers to send packages ahead of the tariff enforcement date, warning that delays or indefinite suspensions could occur while new customs protocols are established.

Broader Trade and Regulatory Context

The de minimis exemption historically facilitated low-cost, efficient international shipping for millions of parcel shipments daily. Its removal is seen as an effort to close tariff loopholes exploited by illicit shipments, including fentanyl and other synthetic drugs hidden in small parcels.

Postal associations, including PostEurop, have warned that unless the U.S. provides clear instructions and mechanisms for duty collection, many postal networks could maintain suspensions beyond the initial implementation phase, significantly impacting transatlantic trade and cross-border e-commerce.

Outlook and Next Steps

U.S. authorities are in ongoing discussions with global postal operators to resolve operational and data-sharing challenges.
Postal services are working on updating customs and IT systems to comply with new regulations, but it may take months before regular business flows normalize.
Businesses shipping to the U.S. must adapt to increased tariffs, stricter customs requirements, and longer delivery times in the short to medium term.

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