Japan Post and Global Postal Services Halt U.S.-Bound Parcels Amid Sweeping Tariff Changes

Japan Post Suspends U.S.-Bound Parcels: A Global Shipping Shakeup

In a move sending shockwaves through international commerce and personal correspondence, Japan Post has announced the suspension of most parcel shipments to the United States. This decision, effective August 27, 2025, comes in response to sweeping changes in U.S. customs regulations that end the longstanding duty-free exemption for low-value imports. The new rules, enacted by an executive order from President Donald Trump, have triggered a domino effect, with over 30 countries and major logistics providers halting or restricting shipments to the U.S.

The sudden policy shift has left individuals, small businesses, and global e-commerce platforms scrambling to adapt. What was once a seamless process for sending gifts, merchandise, and online purchases across borders has now become fraught with uncertainty, higher costs, and administrative hurdles.

What Changed: The End of the De Minimis Exemption

For nearly a decade, the U.S. operated under a “de minimis” rule, allowing packages valued at up to $800 to enter the country duty-free. This exemption, codified in Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, was designed to streamline customs processing for low-value goods, making it easier for individuals and businesses worldwide to ship products to American consumers without incurring tariffs or complex paperwork.

However, on July 30, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Termination of De Minimis Treatment for All Countries.” Effective August 29, 2025, this order eliminates the duty-free threshold for all countries, not just China (which lost de minimis status in May). Now, only personal gifts valued under $100 sent between individuals remain exempt from tariffs. All other goods—whether commercial items or higher-value gifts—are subject to U.S. customs duties and additional processing fees.

The White House justified the abrupt change as necessary to close loopholes exploited for smuggling, particularly of illegal drugs like fentanyl, and to protect American manufacturers from a flood of cheap imports, especially from Chinese e-commerce giants such as Temu and Shein. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), more than 1.36 billion de minimis shipments entered the country in 2024, valued at over $64.6 billion.

Japan Post’s Response: Suspending Parcels, Seeking Clarity

Japan Post, like many of its global counterparts, found itself unable to comply with the new U.S. requirements on such short notice. The CBP now demands that postal and transport operators pay customs deposits, prepare detailed customs declarations, and transmit additional data for every package. However, the precise procedures and systems for compliance remain unclear, making implementation nearly impossible for national postal services.

In an official statement, Japan Post explained, “The procedures that transport operators and postal operators in each country must follow to comply with these guidelines are not clear, however, making implementation difficult. Therefore, starting August 27, we will temporarily suspend the acceptance of postal items (small packets, parcels, and EMS (goods)) to the United States that contain the following items: individual gifts with a content value exceeding 100 US dollars and goods intended for sale for consumption.”

Letters, postcards, printed matter, and documents (including those sent via Express Mail Service) are unaffected and will continue to be accepted. Personal gifts under $100 between individuals are also still permitted. For all other shipments, Japan Post recommends using its international courier service, U-Global Express (UGX), or private carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS—though these options come at a significantly higher cost.

The suspension is indefinite, with Japan Post and other postal operators awaiting further guidance from U.S. authorities before resuming normal service.

Global Domino Effect: Over 30 Countries Suspend Shipments

Japan is far from alone in its response. Postal services in Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, most of Europe, and many other countries have announced similar suspensions or restrictions on U.S.-bound parcels. According to the Universal Postal Union, more than 30 nations have paused some or all shipments to the U.S. as they scramble to adjust to the new tariff regime and develop systems for compliance.

Major logistics providers, including DHL and Deutsche Post, have also halted acceptance of U.S.-bound parcels containing goods from business customers. DHL Express and other commercial courier services continue to operate, but all shipments—regardless of value—are now subject to customs clearance and duties, with stricter documentation and higher costs.

Speaking to Australian media, Laz Smith, co-founder of the maternity wear brand Apéro, described the situation as “really precarious” for small businesses: “The volatility in decision making, and the volatility of the market, and, quite frankly, the lack of ability of even Australia Post to be able to address these issues in a timely manner, puts us, and all of Australian fashion, in a really precarious position.”

Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify, which have long relied on the de minimis exemption to connect international sellers with U.S. buyers, now face major disruptions. Some platforms have suspended U.S. shipping label services for affected postal networks, urging users to seek alternative carriers that allow prepayment of tariffs.

Who Is Affected: Individuals, Small Businesses, and E-Commerce

The impact of the new rules is being felt across a wide spectrum:

• Individuals and Families: Sending care packages, gifts, or personal items from Japan (or other countries) to the U.S. is now more expensive and complicated. Only gifts under $100 between individuals are exempt from tariffs. Anything above that threshold may be rejected, returned, or incur significant fees.
• Small Businesses and Online Sellers: Many Japanese businesses, especially those selling fashion, collectibles, or specialty goods on platforms like eBay or Etsy, have relied on affordable postal shipping to reach American customers. With the suspension, they must turn to commercial couriers, raising shipping costs and potentially pricing them out of the U.S. market.
• E-Commerce Platforms: The end of de minimis treatment disrupts the business models of global e-commerce giants and smaller retailers alike. Companies that built their logistics around low-cost, duty-free shipping now face new tariffs, administrative burdens, and the risk of lost sales.
• Postal Services: National postal operators are grappling with unclear U.S. requirements, new data transmission standards, and the need to overhaul their customs processing systems. Many have opted to suspend shipments rather than risk non-compliance or financial losses.

For Americans living abroad, such as expatriates in Japan, the changes mean that sending household goods, care packages, or even moving back to the U.S. now involves higher costs and more paperwork. Many are advised to keep shipments under $100, use reliable couriers, or hand-carry items when possible.

Why Now? The U.S. Rationale and International Backlash

The Trump administration’s decision to end the de minimis exemption is rooted in several concerns:

• Combatting Smuggling and Illegal Imports: The White House claims the exemption was abused to ship illicit drugs, including fentanyl and opioids, into the U.S., contributing to the opioid crisis.
• Protecting U.S. Manufacturers: Industry groups have long argued that the de minimis rule gave unfair advantages to foreign sellers, especially Chinese e-commerce platforms, by allowing them to undercut domestic prices and evade duties.
• Closing Loopholes: The administration contends that the exemption facilitated duty circumvention and tax avoidance, costing the U.S. billions in lost revenue.

While these arguments resonate with some American businesses and policymakers, the international response has been swift and critical. Many countries view the abrupt change as disruptive, poorly coordinated, and damaging to global commerce. The lack of clear implementation guidelines from U.S. authorities has compounded the confusion, forcing postal services to suspend shipments rather than risk non-compliance.

As reported by Newsweek, the White House stated the exemption was ended quickly to address national emergencies and protect American businesses. However, industry analysts warn that the move could have long-term consequences for international supply chains and global e-commerce.

Tariff Rates and New Costs: What Senders Need to Know

Under the new rules, all goods (except personal gifts under $100) are subject to tariffs based on their country of origin. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the following charges may apply:

• $80 per item for countries with a tariff rate less than 16%
• $160 per item for countries with a tariff rate between 16% and 25%
• $200 per item for countries with a tariff rate above 25%

For Japanese shipments, a base tariff of 10% is expected, plus any additional country-specific rates. These costs are in addition to shipping fees and any administrative charges imposed by couriers or postal services. The result is a significant increase in the cost of sending goods to the U.S., especially for small businesses and individuals.

Alternatives and Workarounds: What Can Senders Do?

With Japan Post and many other postal operators suspending U.S.-bound parcels, senders have limited options:

• Use Commercial Couriers: Services like DHL Express, FedEx, and UPS continue to operate, but all shipments are now subject to customs clearance and duties, with higher costs and stricter documentation requirements.
• Japan Post’s U-Global Express (UGX): This international courier service is available for shipments that comply with U.S. customs regulations, but it is more expensive than standard postal rates.
• Keep Shipments Under $100: For personal gifts between individuals, keeping the declared value below $100 allows packages to be sent via Japan Post without incurring tariffs.
• Hand-Carry Items: For small, valuable items, carrying them in person when traveling may be the most practical solution.

Japan Post and other postal services recommend planning ahead, consolidating shipments where possible, and consulting with couriers about the latest requirements before sending packages to the U.S.

Broader Implications: The Future of Global Shipping and E-Commerce

The end of the de minimis exemption marks a turning point in global trade and logistics. For years, the rule facilitated the growth of cross-border e-commerce, enabling small businesses and individuals to participate in international markets with minimal friction. Its abrupt termination threatens to reshape supply chains, raise costs, and reduce consumer choice.

Industry experts predict several possible outcomes:

• Shift to Commercial Couriers: As postal networks suspend shipments, more businesses and individuals will turn to private couriers, increasing costs and potentially consolidating market power among a few large logistics firms.
• Reduced International Trade: Higher tariffs and administrative burdens may discourage small businesses from exporting to the U.S., leading to a decline in cross-border sales and less variety for American consumers.
• Pressure for Policy Clarity: The global backlash may prompt U.S. authorities to clarify procedures and work with international partners to develop smoother customs processes, though this could take months or longer.
• Permanent Changes to Shipping Practices: Some analysts believe the disruption could lead to lasting changes in how goods are shipped internationally, with a greater emphasis on compliance, data transparency, and cost recovery.

For now, the suspension of U.S.-bound parcels by Japan Post and dozens of other postal services stands as a stark reminder of how quickly trade policy changes can ripple through the global economy, affecting everyone from multinational corporations to families sending gifts across the ocean.

In Summary

• Japan Post has suspended most U.S.-bound parcels due to new U.S. customs regulations ending the $800 duty-free exemption for imports.
• The suspension affects gifts over $100 and all commercial goods; only letters, documents, and personal gifts under $100 are still accepted.
• Over 30 countries and major logistics providers have announced similar suspensions or restrictions, disrupting global postal networks and e-commerce.
• The U.S. ended the de minimis exemption to combat smuggling and protect domestic manufacturers, but the move has caused confusion and higher costs worldwide.
• Senders are advised to use commercial couriers, keep shipments under $100, or hand-carry items when possible, though all options are now more expensive and complex.
• The long-term impact may include higher shipping costs, reduced international trade, and permanent changes to global supply chains.