Small businesses and global postal services are scrambling as the United States ends its “de minimis” tariff exemption, which allowed packages worth $800 or less to enter duty-free, CNN reported.
The rule change, effective August 29, is part of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy aimed at reshaping trade. International carriers including DHL, Swiss Post, and Austria’s postal service have suspended standard parcel shipments to the U.S., citing uncertainty about customs procedures. Britain’s Royal Mail will pause shipments briefly while updating its systems.
The shift is expected to hit discount retailers like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop, along with online platforms such as Etsy and Shopify.
European postal services, including #Italy Poste Italiane and #Austria Austrian Post, suspend package deliveries to the U.S. due to the end of $800 tariff exemption. 🇪🇺🇺🇸
— Bridging News (@BridgingNews_) August 25, 2025
New customs rules will take full effect on August 29, disrupting transatlantic and broader international… pic.twitter.com/SMBech4Qjn
Many small sellers are halting U.S. sales, warning they cannot absorb duties ranging from $80 to $200 per item.
Some, like Korean cosmetics brand Olive Young, are passing costs to customers, while others—such as UK’s Wool Warehouse—are suspending shipments entirely. Businesses warn the new tariffs could raise prices sharply for American consumers.
Postal services across the world are halting shipments to the United States this week amid mounting confusion over new import duties that will apply to parcels starting Friday. https://t.co/qE9APj3XCM
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) August 25, 2025
