Australia Joins India, UK In Halting Postal Deliveries To US Amid Tariff Shake-Up

Australia and Switzerland have joined a growing list of countries suspending parcel deliveries to the United States, as international backlash mounts over the Trump administration’s abrupt customs policy changes.

Australia Post announced on Tuesday that it will ‘temporarily partially suspend postal sending to the United States and Puerto Rico, effective August 26, 2025, until further notice’. The move comes ahead of sweeping tariff changes due to take effect on Friday, August 29.

The agency cited recent significant changes in US import regulations, including the suspension of the de minimis exemption that previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free.

Now, all parcels, regardless of value, must have tariffs prepaid before arriving in the US.

Local media reports indicate that many Australian retailers relied heavily on the tax-free threshold to ship low-value goods to American consumers. The suspension is expected to severely disrupt small business operations and e-commerce exports.

Global Postal Operators Follow Suit

Switzerland’s Swiss Post also announced on Monday it would halt most postal consignments to the US, except urgent express services such as official documents.

Citing similar reasons, Swiss Post said the removal of the $800 exemption had created widespread uncertainty, making it impossible to comply with new customs procedures in time.

The agency added that it is reviewing potential alternatives, including limited acceptance of low-value gifts and exploring non-traditional shipment networks.

India was among the first to suspend the majority of parcel shipments, effective August 25, allowing only letters and small personal gifts.

France’s La Poste and the UK’s Royal Mail have also paused shipments to the US, citing insufficient time to adapt their systems to the new customs framework.

Royal Mail stated that it halted deliveries to ensure completion before the new tariffs come into force.

The policy, outlined in an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on July 30, applies duties to all international parcels formerly covered under the de minimis rule, with exceptions only for books, letters, and gifts under $100.

This widespread suspension highlights the ripple effects of unilateral trade policy shifts, potentially disrupting global commerce in the weeks ahead.

Also Read: Zelensky Thanks PM Modi For Independence Day Greetings; Seeks India’s Role In Peace Efforts