DHL has announced the suspension of high-value deliveries to the US due to a spike in customs complications triggered by the recent tariff measures. The courier service confirmed it will temporarily stop shipping goods valued over $800 to American consumers, citing the increase in red tape caused by updated US trade policies.

 

The decision impacts all international shipments sent to individual buyers in the US, though business-to-business deliveries will continue, albeit with potential delays.

 

Previously, goods worth up to $2,500 could be imported into the US with minimal customs formalities. However, with stricter customs checks now enforced under the new tariff regime, the threshold has dropped, leading to a surge in formal processing requirements.

 

DHL stated that it is working to manage the influx but warned of multi-day delays for shipments exceeding the $800 threshold, regardless of origin. Deliveries below this value will continue as usual with lighter scrutiny.

 

Further disruption is expected as the US administration prepares to close a loophole allowing low-value packages from countries like China and Hong Kong to enter duty-free. This rule change, effective May 2, will heavily affect low-cost retailers who have relied on this policy to offer competitive prices.

 

In response to the upcoming regulatory shift, companies in the fast-fashion and e-commerce space have already signaled price hikes, citing global trade rule changes and tariff adjustments.

 

The US government has defended the move, linking the tightening of import rules to broader efforts to combat the entry of illicit substances and manage the ongoing opioid crisis. This includes eliminating deceptive shipping practices used to bypass regulations.

 

Meanwhile, postal services in Asia, including Hong Kong, have also scaled back sea mail and parcel services to the US, citing unfair trade practices and excessive tariffs imposed by American authorities.

 

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