The delivery service will continue to send packages under the threshold but warns of potential delays, while changes in global trade regulations threaten to raise prices of popular products.
DHL Halts High-Value US Shipments Amid Rising Tariff Regulations
DHL Halts High-Value US Shipments Amid Rising Tariff Regulations
DHL Express pauses deliveries above $800 to the US due to increased customs red tape from new tariffs.
DHL Express has announced a suspension of deliveries to the United States for packages valued over $800, citing a significant surge in customs red tape following the recent introduction of new tariff regulations by the Trump administration. The company will halt these high-value shipments from all countries as of Monday "until further notice." However, DHL will continue to process business-to-business shipments, which may also face delays.
Previously, shipments valued up to $2,500 could be sent to the US with minimal documentation, but this threshold has now been lowered due to stricter customs checks associated with the newly enacted tariffs. DHL explained that the changes have triggered a surge in formal customs clearances, which they are handling continuously. All packages exceeding the $800 limit may experience multi-day delays.
For packages valued below $800, deliveries to the US will continue with less stringent checks, but the White House plans to introduce further restrictions on low-value shipments—particularly those originating from China and Hong Kong—on May 2, effectively closing a loophole that has allowed them to enter the US without incurring duties. This change has raised concerns among retailers such as Shein and Temu, who have warned that the adjustments to global trade rules and tariffs will inevitably lead to price increases.
The Trump administration's rationale for implementing these measures includes claims that "many shippers" in China have been involved in concealing illicit items within their shipments, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis in the US. In response, Beijing maintains that the opioid issue is fundamentally an American problem, citing its own rigorous drug enforcement policies.
Complementing DHL's announcement, Hongkong Post has also stated it will stop accepting sea mail parcels destined for the US and plans to cease all US-bound packages altogether starting from April 27. The post service described the US's actions as "unreasonable" and criticized the country for what they deem an abusive imposition of tariffs.
Previously, shipments valued up to $2,500 could be sent to the US with minimal documentation, but this threshold has now been lowered due to stricter customs checks associated with the newly enacted tariffs. DHL explained that the changes have triggered a surge in formal customs clearances, which they are handling continuously. All packages exceeding the $800 limit may experience multi-day delays.
For packages valued below $800, deliveries to the US will continue with less stringent checks, but the White House plans to introduce further restrictions on low-value shipments—particularly those originating from China and Hong Kong—on May 2, effectively closing a loophole that has allowed them to enter the US without incurring duties. This change has raised concerns among retailers such as Shein and Temu, who have warned that the adjustments to global trade rules and tariffs will inevitably lead to price increases.
The Trump administration's rationale for implementing these measures includes claims that "many shippers" in China have been involved in concealing illicit items within their shipments, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis in the US. In response, Beijing maintains that the opioid issue is fundamentally an American problem, citing its own rigorous drug enforcement policies.
Complementing DHL's announcement, Hongkong Post has also stated it will stop accepting sea mail parcels destined for the US and plans to cease all US-bound packages altogether starting from April 27. The post service described the US's actions as "unreasonable" and criticized the country for what they deem an abusive imposition of tariffs.
