More than 30 nations have suspended or restricted parcel shipments to the United States ahead of new tariff rules going into effect Friday, Aug. 29.
The United Nations’ Universal Postal Union (UPU), which coordinates international postal systems, confirmed that over two dozen member states paused consignments due to uncertainties surrounding President Donald Trump’s decision to end the long-standing “de minimis” exemption.
End of Duty-Free Exemption
The de minimis rule, in place for decades, allowed packages worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs. Customs and Border Protection said these shipments were valued at more than $1.36 billion in 2024.
The Trump administration argued the exemption was being exploited by foreign retailers — particularly China-based companies like Shein and Temu — to flood the U.S. market with low-value imports. More than half of all de minimis packages came from China, with Temu and Shein accounting for over 30% of those shipments.
The policy was originally set to end in February but was delayed after logistical backlogs. Imports from China and Hong Kong lost their exemption in May, with the nationwide phase-out finalized for Aug. 29.
Countries Suspending Shipments
While the UPU declined to name all of the suspending countries, many have announced restrictions publicly. They include:
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Australia
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Austria
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Belgium
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Bulgaria
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Cyprus
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Czechia
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Denmark
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Estonia
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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India
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Italy
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Japan
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Malta
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Moldova
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Montenegro
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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Serbia
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Singapore
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Slovenia
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South Korea
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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Taiwan
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Thailand
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two largest postal carriers also halted U.S.-bound shipments on Aug. 22, though one continues to accept express mail.
Shipping Companies Adjust
Major postal and shipping companies have issued similar restrictions. Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany stopped accepting business parcels for U.S. delivery on Aug. 23. Japan Post suspended certain items, while South Korea’s postal service said shipments could continue through its partnership with UPS.
FedEx Australia announced it was still transporting shipments to the U.S., and New Zealand Post resumed service on Aug. 28 using a new commercial channel.
Global Impact
The UPU warned the tariff changes require “considerable operational changes” across global postal networks. With more than 4 million de minimis shipments processed daily by U.S. Customs, the suspension has disrupted retailers and consumers worldwide.
It remains unclear how long the restrictions will last as countries adjust to the new system.
