A staggering 88 countries have fully or partially suspended postal services to the United States, resulting in an over 80% plunge in postal traffic.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) announced this development on September 6, 2025, citing Washington’s imposition of new tariffs as the reason behind the drastic decline.
According to Masahiko Metoki, Director-General of the UPU, the organization is working diligently on “the rapid development of a new technical solution that will help get mail moving to the United States again.” Metoki emphasized the need for a swift resolution to restore global postal services.
The UPU’s efforts come after the Trump administration imposed tariffs, prompting concerns about the impact on global e-commerce.
With many countries suspending services, the international postal network faces significant disruptions. “The UPU is taking all possible measures to prepare its member countries for the impacts (the new measures) may have on their postal flows,” the organization stated.
As the situation unfolds, countries worldwide are grappling with the consequences of the US tariffs.
The UPU’s initiative to develop a technical solution aims to mitigate the effects and restore the flow of mail to the US. However, the complexity of the issue and the short implementation timeline pose significant challenges.
The recent suspension of postal services to the US by 88 countries is a direct result of the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate a long-standing tariff exemption for packages valued at $800 or less.
This move has significant implications for international e-commerce, as it will increase costs for online shoppers and businesses worldwide. The Universal Postal Union is working on developing a new technical solution to help restore mail services to the US.
From the perspective of postal services, the new regulations pose considerable challenges. Many countries have suspended parcel shipments to the US to adapt to the new rules and factor in higher costs.
Australia Post, for instance, has stopped accepting most goods being sent to the US and Puerto Rico until further notice, while allowing gifts valued under $100, letters, and documents to be sent as usual.
The impact on e-commerce will be substantial, with businesses facing increased costs due to tariffs and customs duties.
The elimination of the de minimis exemption, which allowed shipments worth less than $800 to enter the US duty-free, will likely lead to higher prices for consumers.
Online marketplaces like Amazon, Temu, Shein, and Etsy, which heavily rely on international shipping, may see changes in their business models.
Some countries are exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the effects of the new regulations.
For example, Singapore Post has introduced a new service called Speedpost Direct International, designed to comply with the latest customs requirements.
Similarly, DHL Express is working closely with US authorities to resume postal goods shipping to the US as quickly as possible.
The motivations behind the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the de minimis exemption are multifaceted.
According to Trump, the move aims to combat illegal drugs and level the playing field for domestic businesses. However, critics argue that the policy will harm US consumers and businesses that rely on international trade.