DHL Express has paused high-value deliveries to the United States, citing intensified customs procedures linked to the recent tariff changes under the Trump administration, impacting thousands of businesses and consumers.
DHL Halts High-Value US Deliveries Amid Customs Crackdown
DHL Halts High-Value US Deliveries Amid Customs Crackdown
DHL Express restricts shipments over $800 to the US due to increased customs regulations from new tariffs.
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DHL Express announced it would temporarily suspend deliveries to the United States exceeding $800 (£603) as a result of a "significant increase" in customs regulations following the implementation of Donald Trump's new tariff regime. The company stated that shipments from all countries to American consumers would cease from Monday "until further notice." Meanwhile, business-to-business shipments will continue, albeit with potential delays.
Previously, packages valued at up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork. However, new customs checks that took effect with the tariffs have significantly reduced this threshold. DHL articulated that this shift has resulted in a spike in the number of formal customs clearances, which they are managing non-stop. Despite these challenges, DHL confirmed it would continue to deliver packages valued under $800, which face far fewer checks.
Additionally, the White House is preparing to enforce stricter measures on low-value deliveries—from China and Hong Kong—starting May 2, when it intends to close a loophole that allows packages under $800 to enter the US without incurring duties. This move is expected to adversely affect companies like Shein and Temu, both of which have indicated that they will raise prices due to these new global trade regulations and tariffs.
The Trump administration has justified these measures by claiming that several shippers in China are involved in deceptive shipping practices, often concealing illicit substances within their parcels. Through an executive order, the administration stated that these actions aim to counter the synthetic opioid crisis in the US, linking it directly to shipments entering from China.
In response to these developments, Hongkong Post recently declared it would halt sea package deliveries to the US and cease accepting parcels bound for America starting April 27. They branded the US's approach as unreasonable and a form of bullying in trade relations.
DHL Express announced it would temporarily suspend deliveries to the United States exceeding $800 (£603) as a result of a "significant increase" in customs regulations following the implementation of Donald Trump's new tariff regime. The company stated that shipments from all countries to American consumers would cease from Monday "until further notice." Meanwhile, business-to-business shipments will continue, albeit with potential delays.
Previously, packages valued at up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork. However, new customs checks that took effect with the tariffs have significantly reduced this threshold. DHL articulated that this shift has resulted in a spike in the number of formal customs clearances, which they are managing non-stop. Despite these challenges, DHL confirmed it would continue to deliver packages valued under $800, which face far fewer checks.
Additionally, the White House is preparing to enforce stricter measures on low-value deliveries—from China and Hong Kong—starting May 2, when it intends to close a loophole that allows packages under $800 to enter the US without incurring duties. This move is expected to adversely affect companies like Shein and Temu, both of which have indicated that they will raise prices due to these new global trade regulations and tariffs.
The Trump administration has justified these measures by claiming that several shippers in China are involved in deceptive shipping practices, often concealing illicit substances within their parcels. Through an executive order, the administration stated that these actions aim to counter the synthetic opioid crisis in the US, linking it directly to shipments entering from China.
In response to these developments, Hongkong Post recently declared it would halt sea package deliveries to the US and cease accepting parcels bound for America starting April 27. They branded the US's approach as unreasonable and a form of bullying in trade relations.
