Tariff Complications: Major Courier Halts High-Value Shipments to US

Synopsis

The new tariff measures introduced by President Trump are now affecting courier services, leading DHL to suspend shipments over $800 to the US due to increased customs complications. Business shipments will continue but may experience delays. Stricter regulations are set to be implemented for low-value packages from China and Hong Kong.

Key Takeaways

DHL Express halts shipments over $800 to the US.
New customs regulations lead to increased paperwork.
Business-to-business shipments may also face delays.
Stricter rules for low-value packages from China and Hong Kong coming soon.
Measures aim to combat synthetic opioid trafficking.

Washington, April 20 (NationPress) The new tariff policies imposed by US President Donald Trump have affected yet another industry - courier deliveries to individuals in the nation exceeding a specified value.

DHL Express has declared it will halt transportation of items valued over $800 from all nations to the US due to a "significant rise" in bureaucratic hurdles at customs.

The prominent delivery service indicated that it would temporarily cease shipments from businesses worldwide to American customers starting Monday "until further notice", as reported by the BBC.

Nonetheless, shipments between businesses will continue, "although they may also face delays", the global courier company stated.

Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal documentation; however, due to stricter customs regulations implemented alongside the new tariff system, which was initiated earlier in April but has been temporarily suspended, the value limit has been reduced.

DHL noted that this alteration "has resulted in an influx of formal customs clearances, which we are processing around the clock" and while they are striving to "expand and manage this surge, shipments exceeding $800, regardless of origin, may encounter multi-day delays", according to the BBC report.

The company confirmed it will continue to deliver packages valued under $800, which can be shipped to the US with minimal scrutiny.

However, this segment is also facing challenges - with the US poised to impose stricter regulations on these deliveries as well - particularly those sent from China and Hong Kong - starting May 2, when it will close a loophole that currently allows low-value packages to enter the US duty-free.

The Trump administration has asserted that "numerous shippers" in China "conceal illicit materials and misrepresent the actual contents of shipments sent to the US through deceptive shipping methods".

The White House indicated that these measures were intended to "tackle the synthetic opioid supply chain", which they claim "significantly contributes to the synthetic opioid crisis in the US".

Last week, Hongkong Post announced it would suspend packages sent to the US via sea and, starting April 27, would cease accepting parcels intended for America.