Russian Post Halts Goods Shipments To US Over Tariff Changes

In a significant development in international postal trade, Russian Post has announced the suspension of parcel shipments containing goods destined for the United States, effective August 26, 2025.

Impending US import duties on goods shipments, set to take effect Friday under a new policy, prompted the decision.

Russian Post, the national postal operator, announced it will no longer accept parcels containing goods for delivery to the US, while continuing to process letters and documents.

Unclear procedures for duty payments to US Customs and Border Protection led to the suspension.

According to the agency, air carriers have already ceased handling parcel deliveries involving goods bound for the US, making it impossible for Russian Post to fulfil such shipments.

“Russian Post, unable to carry out air delivery on this route, temporarily suspends the acceptance of shipments with goods to the United States from August 26, 2025,” the statement read.

Largest Postal Export Market Affected

The United States represents the largest market for Russia’s international postal goods shipments, accounting for 23% of total postal exports, as reported by Interfax, citing Russian Post.

Commonly exported items include beauty and health products, board games, and car parts.

The sudden suspension is set to disrupt many small businesses and online sellers in Russia that depend on postal services to ship products to US customers.

The action follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, which effectively ends the longstanding ‘de minimis’ rule.

This rule previously allowed goods valued at under $800 to enter the US duty-free, simplifying international e-commerce and postal trade.

The elimination of this threshold marks a significant change in US customs policy, with all inbound goods now subject to import duties.

Russian Post emphasised that until payment procedures are clarified, it cannot resume operations for goods-bound parcels to the US.

While there is no confirmed timeline for when shipments might resume, the suspension underscores the growing complexity in global trade logistics and the increasing impact of geopolitical decisions on everyday commerce.

Russian exporters and consumers now await clear guidance on implementing the new US customs procedures and seek alternative delivery solutions for the near future.

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