DHL Express Suspends US Deliveries Worth Over $800 Amid Customs Red Tape
In a move that is set to cause significant disruption to online shoppers and businesses, DHL Express has announced that it will be suspending deliveries to the US worth more than $800 (£603) due to a "significant increase" in red tape at customs. The delivery giant cited the introduction of Donald Trump’s new tariff regime as the reason for the temporary halt in shipments.
According to a report by the BBC, DHL Express will temporarily stop shipments from companies in all countries to American consumers on Monday "until further notice". However, business-to-business shipments will still go ahead, albeit with possible delays. The company stated that the change "has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock".
The introduction of tighter customs checks, which came into force alongside Trump’s tariffs earlier this month, has lowered the threshold for packages entering the US with minimal paperwork from $2,500 to $800. As a result, DHL said that shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays. The company assured that it will still deliver packages worth less than $800, which can be sent to the US with minimal checks.
The BBC report also noted that the White House is set to clamp down on deliveries under $800, specifically those sent from China and Hong Kong, on 2 May when it closes a loophole allowing low-value packages to enter the US without incurring any duties. This move is expected to impact popular fast-fashion firms such as Shein and Temu, which have warned that they will increase prices "due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs".
The Trump administration has claimed that "many shippers" in China "hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the US through deceptive shipping practices". Under an executive order, the White House said the measures were aimed at "addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain" which it said "play a significant role in the synthetic opioid crisis in the US". However, Beijing has said that the opioid fentanyl is a "US problem" and China has the strictest drug policies in the world.
The BBC also reported that Hongkong Post said it was suspending packages sent to the US by sea and, from 27 April, would stop accepting parcels destined for America. In a statement, Hongkong Post said: "The US is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively." As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the changes in customs regulations will impact the delivery of packages to the US and the wider implications for businesses and consumers alike.
The suspension of deliveries by DHL Express and Hongkong Post highlights the growing tensions between the US and China, with the Trump administration’s tariff regime and stricter customs checks causing significant disruption to global trade. As reported by the BBC, the changes are set to have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers, with many left wondering what the future holds for international trade.
Sources:
BBC News
