BUSINESS
US Deliveries on Pause: What's the Deal with New Import Taxes?
USAFri Aug 22 2025
Starting August 29, the US is implementing new rules on import taxes for small packages, causing significant disruptions in the shipping industry.
Key Developments
- Royal Mail and DHL have paused some deliveries to the US to adjust to the new tax regulations.
- Letters and cards can still be sent as usual, but business packages will face delays.
Changes to Import Tax Rules
- Old Rule: Packages worth up to $800 were duty-free.
- New Rule: Only packages worth less than $100 remain duty-free; all others will be taxed as standard imports.
Impact and Reasons
The US government aims to prevent illegal shipments and tax evasion, citing a surge in small package imports that has made regulation difficult.
Global Impact
- China, Canada, and Mexico are among the countries affected by the new rule.
- Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany have also paused some deliveries, awaiting further details on the tax implementation.
- DHL Express services continue to operate normally.
Etsy's Response
The online marketplace Etsy has advised sellers to monitor the situation closely and has paused shipping label purchases for US-bound packages.
Timeline
The new rule was originally scheduled for 2027, but the Trump administration accelerated its implementation to August 29, leaving many companies scrambling to adapt.
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questions
How will the new tariff rules impact the average consumer's shopping habits and costs?
Are the increased duties a way for the US government to secretly fund a new, undisclosed project?
Will Santa Claus need to pay tariffs for his Christmas deliveries to the US?
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