European Postal Services Halt Shipments to U.S. as Tariff Confusion Grows

 

A major shake-up in global trade is hitting online shoppers and small businesses hard. Starting this weekend, postal services across Europe are suspending package shipments to the United States as new U.S. tariff rules create confusion and uncertainty.

At the center of the disruption is the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption—a rule that allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. In 2024 alone, more than 1.36 billion parcels worth $64.6 billion entered under this exemption. But with the exemption ending on Friday, packages of all values are now subject to tariffs.

Postal Services Hit the Brakes

On Saturday, postal operators in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy announced an immediate pause on shipments to the U.S. France and Austria will follow on Monday, while the U.K.’s Royal Mail plans to stop shipments on Tuesday.

Royal Mail said items worth over $100, even gifts sent to family, will now face a 10% duty. Other EU states cited the lack of clarity over how the new tariffs will be collected, what data needs to be provided to U.S. customs, and how quickly new systems can be implemented.

“Key questions remain unresolved,” said shipping giant DHL in a statement, adding that it would no longer accept parcels from European business customers bound for the U.S.

Trade Tensions Fuel the Chaos

The changes come after a new U.S.-EU trade framework imposed a 15% tariff on most goods shipped from Europe. Packages under $800, previously duty-free, are now caught in the same net.

The move follows similar restrictions on goods from China earlier this year, part of the Trump administration’s push to discourage Americans from ordering low-value products from overseas.

Postal Operators Sound the Alarm

European carriers say the U.S. provided little notice and no clear system for processing the new tariffs. La Poste, France’s national postal service, criticized the lack of preparation time:

“Despite discussions with U.S. customs services, no time was provided to postal operators to re-organize and assure the necessary computer updates to conform to the new rules.”

In Italy, Poste Italiane said it would suspend all shipments containing merchandise to the U.S. starting August 23, though letters and documents would still be accepted.

PostNord, the Nordic logistics company, called the move “unfortunate but necessary” to remain compliant. Meanwhile, PostNL in the Netherlands warned customers to send packages immediately if they want them to arrive before duties take effect.

What Happens Next?

Industry group PostEurop, representing 51 European postal operators, has warned that if no solution is reached by August 29, all its members may suspend shipments to the U.S.

For now, private couriers like DHL Express remain an option, though likely at a higher cost. But for everyday consumers and small businesses who rely on affordable international shipping, the disruption could be significant.

As one Dutch postal official bluntly advised:

“If you have something to send to America, you should do it today.”