International postal services are hitting the pause button on US-bound packages as the Trump administration ends the ‘de minimis’ tariff exemption for low-value parcels (under $800) starting August 29. Basically, every parcel now faces customs duties – but no one’s quite sure how to pay or process them! 📦💸
Major players like Germany’s DHL, Sweden–Denmark’s PostNord and Belgium’s Bpost announced they’ll stop accepting US-bound parcels from August 21–25, citing a lack of clear guidelines from US customs. Norway’s Posten Bring and Austria’s Austrian Post have joined in, while Spain’s postal service will still deliver letters and small gifts under $100. 📮❌
The shake-up isn’t just for snail mail: online sellers are feeling the squeeze. Etsy has paused its US shipping label service for national postal operators in Australia, Canada and the UK, nudging sellers towards FedEx or UPS, which can pre-pay duties. FedEx says it’s business as usual, but many carriers are still waiting on details from US authorities. 🚀🔍
For young online shoppers in South Asia and Southeast Asia, this could mean longer waits and unexpected fees when ordering from abroad. From your latest sneaker drop to that must-have gadget, plan ahead and check your carrier’s policy before you hit “Buy Now.” 🛍️⏳
As global postal operators coordinate to adapt, keep an eye on updates – your next unboxing moment might depend on it! 🔔✈️
Reference(s):
Postal services halt U.S. shipments as Trump ends parcel tariff relief
cgtn.com
