Michelle ThompsonDHL Express is temporarily halting deliveries to the U.S. valued over $800 due to increased customs procedures triggered by President Donald Trump’s latest tariff policies.
The company announced it would pause shipments from businesses worldwide to American consumers starting Monday “until further notice,” citing a sharp rise in customs paperwork.
While business-to-business shipments will still proceed, DHL warned these could also face delays.
Previously, goods valued up to $2,500 could enter the U.S. with limited documentation. However, with the new tariffs and stricter customs enforcement introduced earlier this month, that threshold has dropped, prompting a surge in formal customs processing. DHL stated it’s working around the clock to manage the increased workload, but high-value parcels may still face multi-day hold-ups.
Shipments under $800 will continue as usual with minimal checks, though this too is set to change. On 2 May, the U.S. plans to tighten regulations on low-value goods—specifically those from China and Hong Kong—by closing the “de minimis” loophole that allowed them to avoid duties.
This upcoming change will impact major low-cost retailers like Shein and Temu, both of which have announced potential price hikes in response to evolving trade rules and tariffs.
The Trump administration argues that many Chinese shippers mislabel or hide illegal substances in small packages to bypass U.S. regulations. A recent executive order said the policy shift is aimed at tackling the synthetic opioid supply chain, which officials claim contributes significantly to America’s opioid crisis.
In response, China has stated that fentanyl abuse is a domestic issue for the U.S. and reiterated that it enforces some of the world’s toughest anti-drug laws.
Adding to the disruption, Hongkong Post last week announced it had suspended sea mail to the U.S. and would stop accepting U.S.-bound parcels entirely from 27 April, condemning the new American trade measures as unfair and excessive.
Emily Martinez
