DHL Express has made a significant move to suspend deliveries to the United States for packages exceeding $800 (£603) due to a notable rise in customs regulations introduced under Donald Trump's new tariff policy. The delivery service announced that starting Monday, they would halt shipments from various countries to US consumers until further notice.
Business-to-business shipments will still proceed, albeit with possible delays. Prior to this change, goods worth up to $2,500 could be shipped to the US with minimal documentation; however, the new customs checks enforcing tighter regulations have reduced that threshold dramatically. DHL acknowledged that this adjustment has resulted in a surge of formal customs clearances, which they are currently managing around the clock.
The company emphasized that packages valued under $800 would still be delivered, as these still qualify for expedited processing. However, the White House is expected to further tighten its grip on low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, closing a loophole that allowed such items to enter the US duty-free after May 2.
This change could significantly affect retailers like Shein and Temu, who anticipate needing to raise prices due to recent adjustments in global trade rules as well as tariffs. The Trump administration has criticized many Chinese shippers for disguising illicit goods within shipments to the US, claiming this has worsened the opioid crisis.
In response to these developments, Hongkong Post announced last week that it would stop accepting sea parcel shipments to the US, citing the US’s unreasonable tariffs and regulations. Shein and Temu have already warned consumers about impending price increases on everyday products due to these tariff changes.
