Europe Asia postal services to halt shipments to the US at end of Trump de minimums exemption
Postal services in Europe and globally are ceasing the shipment of goods to the US following the Trump administration’s decision to end the de minimus tariff exemption.
The de minimus exemption allowed international carriers to send goods valued under $800 to the US without paying any duties.
The White House cited concerns about fentanyl and other illicit drugs as the reason for ending the exemption.
DHL, Europe’s largest shipping provider, announced that they would no longer accept parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US, effective immediately.
The end of the exemption will take effect on August 29.
Several postal services in Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria, France, and Belgium, have also announced plans to pause shipments to the US.
Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand are also holding shipments until there is more clarity on the new rules.
Australia Post has paused transit on some packages from other countries bound for the US.
The US previously ended the de minimus exemption for China in May, citing concerns about illicit substances being hidden in low-value packages.
The administration highlighted a significant increase in de minimus shipments entering the US between 2015 and 2024.
Fast fashion companies like Temu and Shein have benefited from the de minimus exemption, allowing them to ship directly to customers.
Further comments from the White House and DHL are being sought by FOX Business.
