Postal traffic to US down by over 80% amid tariffs, UN says
3 days ago
- #US tariffs
- #postal traffic
- #trade policy
- Postal traffic to the US dropped by over 80% after new tariffs took effect on August 29, 2025.
- 88 global postal operators have fully or partially suspended parcel shipments to the US.
- The Trump administration abolished the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed duty-free shipping for items under $800.
- De minimis packages to the US surged from 140 million in 2014 to 1.36 billion by 2024.
- Critics argue the exemption led to unchecked imports, unsafe items, and easier drug trafficking.
- New rules require tariffs on all US-bound parcels, with postal operators responsible for duty collection.
- Operators lacked time to prepare for changes, causing major disruptions.
- The UPU is developing a technical solution to resume mail flow to the US.
- Countries like Mexico, Germany, France, and Japan have halted business parcel shipments to the US.