DHL Express announced a temporary suspension of shipments to the United States valued over $800 due to increased customs complexities resulting from the recent implementation of former President Donald Trump's new tariff regulations. This suspension began on Monday and will remain in effect "until further notice."
While business-to-business shipments will continue, they may also encounter delays. Previously, packages valued up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal formalities, but with the new stricter customs checks, the threshold has now been lowered substantially. DHL stated that there has been a "surge in formal customs clearances," which they are operating around the clock to manage.
Deliveries below the $800 threshold are still permitted, enabling them to bypass extensive checks. However, starting May 2, the White House will implement restrictions on low-value shipments, particularly from China and Hong Kong, by closing a loophole that exempted packages from duties.
The ending of the "de minimis" rule will significantly affect major retailers like Shein and Temu, who have both indicated an impending price increase due to alterations in global trade policies.
The Trump administration contends that "many shippers" from China engage in deceptive practices, hiding illicit products in packages sent to the US. This new measure is part of a broader effort to combat the synthetic opioid crisis, particularly concerning fentanyl.
Meanwhile, Hongkong Post has announced the suspension of sea-shipped parcels to the US, set to take effect from April 27, labeling US tariff demands as "bullying." As Americans brace for potential hikes in everyday prices due to these developments, the implications of revised tariff laws continue to unfold.
