In light of newly implemented tariffs by the Trump administration, DHL Express has decided to suspend all deliveries to the United States with a value greater than $800 (£603). This decision comes as customs regulations have tightened significantly, increasing the scrutiny and documentation requirements for international shipments. The changes are set to take effect from Monday until further notice.
DHL Halts High-Value US Deliveries Amid Customs Changes

DHL Halts High-Value US Deliveries Amid Customs Changes
DHL Express announces suspension of US deliveries exceeding $800 due to new tariff-related customs regulations.
DHL specified that this temporary halt applies to packages from companies worldwide destined for US customers but stated that business-to-business shipments will continue, albeit with potential delays. Traditionally, parcels valued at up to $2,500 could enter the US with little hassle, but the recent tightening of customs policies has resulted in the threshold being dramatically lowered.
In a press release, DHL noted, "The recent changes have led to a surge in formal customs clearances," indicating they are working around the clock to manage the increased volume. While shipments valued below $800 will still be processed with minimal checks, these will face an additional challenge as the White House aims to close loopholes on deliveries under this amount, particularly those hailing from China and Hong Kong.
Scheduled for enforcement on 2 May, the removal of the "de minimis" rule is poised to affect major retailers like Shein and Temu, who have voiced concerns about rising costs associated with the new trade regulations. Both companies have announced plans to raise prices as these changes take effect.
The Trump administration has defended the imposition of stricter tariffs, claiming that many shipments from China conceal illicit goods through deceptive practices, particularly those linked to the synthetic opioid crisis impacting the US. In response, officials in Beijing have labeled the opioid issue as a domestic American challenge, underscoring the contentious nature of US-China trade relations.
Adding to the growing tension, Hongkong Post has announced that it will cease sending packages to the US by sea and stop accepting parcels from April 27, echoing concerns over US tariffs. The postal service called the US measures "unreasonable" and indicative of bullying behavior.
As the logistics landscape shifts, consumers may soon see increased prices on everyday items due to these new tariffs and regulations, leading to a significant impact on American shoppers. With these evolving trade dynamics, the future of international delivery services hangs in the balance.
In a press release, DHL noted, "The recent changes have led to a surge in formal customs clearances," indicating they are working around the clock to manage the increased volume. While shipments valued below $800 will still be processed with minimal checks, these will face an additional challenge as the White House aims to close loopholes on deliveries under this amount, particularly those hailing from China and Hong Kong.
Scheduled for enforcement on 2 May, the removal of the "de minimis" rule is poised to affect major retailers like Shein and Temu, who have voiced concerns about rising costs associated with the new trade regulations. Both companies have announced plans to raise prices as these changes take effect.
The Trump administration has defended the imposition of stricter tariffs, claiming that many shipments from China conceal illicit goods through deceptive practices, particularly those linked to the synthetic opioid crisis impacting the US. In response, officials in Beijing have labeled the opioid issue as a domestic American challenge, underscoring the contentious nature of US-China trade relations.
Adding to the growing tension, Hongkong Post has announced that it will cease sending packages to the US by sea and stop accepting parcels from April 27, echoing concerns over US tariffs. The postal service called the US measures "unreasonable" and indicative of bullying behavior.
As the logistics landscape shifts, consumers may soon see increased prices on everyday items due to these new tariffs and regulations, leading to a significant impact on American shoppers. With these evolving trade dynamics, the future of international delivery services hangs in the balance.