New US Tariff Rules Cause Global Shipping Disruptions
Table of Contents
Published August 22, 2025
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
As of August 29, 2025, the United States is implementing notable changes to its de minimis exemption, the threshold below which imported goods are exempt from duties and taxes. This shift is already causing ripples through the global shipping landscape,leading to service adjustments from major carriers and increased costs for consumers and businesses. The previous exemption, set at $800, allowed many smaller shipments to enter the US duty-free.The new rules effectively eliminate this benefit for a wide range of goods, subjecting them to the standard tariff and tax processes.
Major Carriers Respond: Suspended Services and Increased Scrutiny
The changes have prompted a swift response from international postal services and shipping companies. Several have announced suspensions or limitations on services to the US, especially for low-value shipments.Royal Mail and DHL have halted some US deliveries, citing the increased complexity and cost of processing shipments under the new regulations.Similarly, Australia Post has suspended transit shipping to the US,describing the situation as creating ”chaos” for global carriers. Even Germany’s national postal service, Deutsche Post, is restricting packages to the US due to the new tariffs, as reported by RTE.ie.
Though, not all services are suspending operations. An Post, Ireland’s postal service, intends to maintain its parcel services to the US despite the new tax, suggesting a willingness to absorb some of the increased costs or adjust its pricing structure.
What Does This Mean for Importers and Consumers?
The end of the de minimis exemption means that virtually all shipments to the US will now be subject to duties and taxes, calculated based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code of the product and its country of origin. This will inevitably lead to higher costs for consumers, particularly those who frequently purchase goods from overseas. Businesses that rely on importing components or finished products will also face increased expenses, potentially impacting their profitability.
The Financial Times reports that all non-postal shipments from carriers like FedEx and UPS will now be subject to the “formal entry process,” requiring more detailed documentation and potentially leading to delays.
Businesses should review their import strategies and consider the following:
- Accurate HTS Classification: Ensuring correct classification of goods is crucial for accurate duty calculations.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Exploring alternative sourcing options or adjusting supply chains to minimize tariff impact.
- pricing adjustments: Factoring in increased costs when setting prices for imported goods.
- Compliance: Staying informed about evolving regulations and ensuring full compliance with US customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements. More information can be found on the CBP website.
