Postal carriers in Europe and Australia are suspending shipments to the United States, after the U.S. ended a tax exemption on imported goods worth US$800 (A$1,245.6) or less.
European carriers, including Germany’s Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany, Spain’s Correos, the United Kingdom's Royal Mail, and France’s La Poste have suspended shipments since Friday.
Australia Post also said today that it would halt postage immediately.
“We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers,” said Australia Post executive general manager of parcel, post, and eCommerce Gary Starr.
“Australia Post continues to work with U.S. and Australian authorities and international postal partners to resume postal service to the U.S. as a priority.”
Letters, documents, and gifts worth under US$100 will not be affected, Australia Post said. The carrier is working with cross-border commerce platform Zonos to resume business-related shipping to the U.S. An Australia Post spokesperson declined to comment on the record.
Under the ‘de minimis’ tax exemption, shipments worth US$800 or less would be imported duty-free. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in July to end the exemption for shipments from all countries from 29 August, with these goods now subject to duties equivalent to the standard tariff rate on their country of origin.
The U.S. had previously ended the exemption for shipments from China and Hong Kong in May.
According to DHL, U.S. officials have not explained how the new duties will be collected and what data will be required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The U.S. is requiring that the tariff rate on these goods be pre-paid, Australia Post said.
Carriers from Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Thailand, and Singapore have also said they will suspend some shipments. New Zealand's NZ Post said last week that it would suspend parcel shipping to the U.S.
Azzet has contacted Australia Post for comment.
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