Postal traffic into the US dropped over 80% after the Trump administration ended a tariff exemption for low-value imports, according to the UN postal agency. This significant decline was triggered by new US rules requiring postal operators worldwide to handle duty collection for parcels valued at $800 or less. As a result, many postal services have suspended shipments to the US until a workable solution is found, causing widespread disruptions.
- US postal traffic to decline over 80%
- New measures for duty collection introduced by UPU
- Many postal operators suspended US services temporarily
- Implementation caused global postal traffic drop
- Airlines and carriers hesitant to collect duties
- Exemption for low-value goods eliminated by US policy
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) reports that since August 29, 2025, postal traffic from 192 countries to the US has fallen sharply. Nearly all member countries experienced an 81% decrease in shipments, as airlines and carriers refused or were unable to collect customs duties. Many foreign postal operators have paused services to the US until they can connect with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) qualified companies, citing operational challenges.
- Over 88 postal operators have suspended some or all US services.
- US shipments valued at $800 or less now require customs duty collection.
- Many carriers refuse to handle duty collection, causing delays and halts.
- The change aims to close loopholes used for tariff evasion and drug smuggling.
The US argues that the exemption, in place since 1938, was exploited by foreign businesses and criminals. While duties now apply to most imports, US residents still avoid taxes on gifts under $100 and personal souvenirs under $200. The UPU says its members lacked sufficient guidance to comply with the new procedures, adding to the operational chaos. The disruption highlights the challenge of balancing border security with international postal cooperation.
