By Emeka Blast 
UN: 25 Countries Suspend Package Deliveries to U.S. Over Trump Tariffs
Geneva, Switzerland – At least 25 countries, including France, Britain, Germany, Italy, India, Australia, and Japan, have suspended package deliveries to the United States, citing uncertainties over President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies, the United Nations’ Universal Postal Union (UPU) announced on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The move, triggered by Trump’s executive order abolishing the “de minimis” tax exemption for small packages, has sent shockwaves through global e-commerce and postal networks, threatening disruptions for consumers and businesses alike.
The Trump administration’s decision, signed last month and effective August 29, 2025, eliminates the de minimis exemption that allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. Now, items over $100—except letters, documents, and small gifts—face tariffs aligned with standard import rates, ranging from 15% for EU countries to 50% for India. The UPU reported that postal operators in 25 member countries, including major economies like France’s La Poste, Britain’s Royal Mail, Germany’s Deutsche Post, Italy’s Poste Italiane, India Post, Australia Post, and Japan Post, have halted most U.S.-bound shipments due to unclear U.S. Customs Service procedures for collecting these duties.
The suspensions, effective as early as August 23, aim to avoid packages arriving after the tariff deadline, which could result in returns or unexpected fees for senders or recipients. Belgium’s bpost warned of returning packages arriving post-Friday, while New Zealand Post stated receivers would be liable for duties. Australia Post, halting U.S. parcel acceptance from August 26, emphasized collaboration with U.S. authorities to resume services swiftly. Germany’s DHL noted extra checks on exempted items to prevent commercial misuse, further complicating logistics.
The abrupt policy shift has sparked widespread concern, particularly for e-commerce, which relies heavily on low-cost, duty-free shipping. India’s communications ministry highlighted undefined processes for designating “qualified parties” to collect duties, causing air carriers to refuse U.S.-bound postal consignments after August 25. Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative told Moneycontrol that the change “will disrupt global e-commerce and hit exporters in India and other countries that depended on small-value, duty-free shipping.” India, facing 50% tariffs on high-value exports like textiles and jewelry, estimates $48.2 billion in trade losses.
European postal group PostEurop warned that up to 50 operators could soon restrict shipments without clearer U.S. guidance. Online marketplaces like Etsy have suspended U.S. shipping labels for affected postal services, urging users to find private couriers like DHL or FedEx, which charge higher rates but have digital customs systems in place. The Independent reported that businesses face charges of $80-$200 per item, depending on the sending country’s tariff rate, adding significant costs to small-scale exporters.
The UPU, led by chief Masahiko Metoki, expressed alarm over the short implementation timeline, writing to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on August 25 to convey member countries’ concerns. The agency is working with U.S. authorities to clarify operational requirements and develop a duty collection system. Social media platforms like X reflected global frustration, with @IndiaWarZone posting, “25 countries incl France, Britain, Germany, Italy, India, Australia & Japan have stopped sending parcels to the US after Trump’s tariff move created chaos in global trade.”
India’s government called the 50% tariffs “unfair” and vowed to protect its interests, while European nations like France and the UK, facing 15% duties, are grappling with logistical hurdles. The suspensions have also hit smaller economies like New Zealand and Taiwan, disrupting cross-border trade and consumer access to affordable goods.
Trump’s tariffs, part of a broader trade strategy to boost U.S. manufacturing, have been controversial. The administration tied India’s 50% tariff to its Russian oil purchases, prompting criticism from U.S. House Democrats for targeting a key ally. The policy, combined with earlier tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, has fueled fears of a global trade war, with the Tax Foundation estimating a $1,300 annual tax increase per U.S. household in 2025.
As postal services await clarity, the suspensions highlight the fragility of global supply chains. Consumers and businesses are advised to explore private couriers or delay shipments until the U.S. Customs Service provides clearer guidelines. The UPU’s efforts to facilitate solutions offer hope, but for now, the halt in postal deliveries signals a turbulent new chapter in international trade.
