US Tariff Change Causes Global Shipping Chaos

The United States has made a big change to its import rules. This change is causing problems for many countries and businesses. The "de minimis" rule used to let small packages enter the US without extra fees. But now, this rule is ending. This means more costs for businesses and more hassle for customers. Many countries are stopping some shipments to the US because of this change. Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Mexico are just a few examples. They say the new rules are causing logistical nightmares. Small businesses and online shops are feeling the pinch. They rely on sending small, low-cost items to US customers. Japan Post, for example, will now only send packages under $100 to the US. Australia Post has also paused some services. They say they are following the lead of other postal services around the world. In Australia, local businesses are struggling. They say the uncertainty is making it hard to plan and grow. Taiwan's postal service has also stopped sending small parcels to the US. They say the global postal system isn't ready for the new rules. This is bad news for online marketplaces like Etsy and Shopify. They connect US shoppers with businesses worldwide. The change is expected to hit discount sellers hard. Stores like Amazon Haul and TikTok Shop will feel the impact. The US Customs and Border Protection says over 1. 36 billion small packages entered the country last year. That's a lot of parcels! Businesses may now face extra charges. The cost depends on the tariff rate of the country they are shipping from. This could mean $80, $160, or even $200 per item. It's a big shift from the old system. Many are hoping for a quick solution to this growing problem.