Postal traffic to US sank 80% after low-value parcels exemption ended
4 days ago
- #Universal Postal Union
- #US Postal Policy
- #Trade Tariffs
- Postal traffic to the US dropped by over 80% after Trump ended the low-value parcels tariff exemption.
- The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is implementing new measures to help postal operators calculate and collect duties.
- 88 postal operators have suspended services to the US for parcels valued at $800 or less due to new customs rules.
- Airlines and carriers are unwilling or unable to collect duties, causing major disruptions in postal services.
- The de minimis exemption, in place since 1938, was seen as a loophole for tariff evasion and drug smuggling.
- New rules require vetting and tariffs (10%-50%) on previously duty-free imports, except for gifts ($100) and souvenirs ($200).
- UPU members lacked sufficient time and guidance to comply with Trump's July 30 executive order.