DHL Express has temporarily suspended deliveries of goods worth more than $800 to the United States, citing a “significant increase” in customs red tape linked to new tariff rules introduced by US President Donald Trump.
Starting Today (21st April 2025), the company will halt shipments from businesses in all countries to American consumers for packages above the $800 threshold, stating the move will remain in place “until further notice.” Deliveries between businesses (B2B) will continue but may also experience delays.
Previously, goods valued up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork. However, tighter customs checks implemented alongside Trump’s recent tariffs have now lowered that threshold, triggering a spike in formal customs clearances.
DHL said this surge has strained operations:
“While we are working to scale up and manage this increase, shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays.”
Shipments valued under $800 will still be delivered and continue to face minimal customs scrutiny—for now. But additional changes are on the horizon. On 2 May, the White House is expected to close a loophole that allows low-value packages, particularly from China and Hong Kong, to enter the US without paying duties.
In a related move, Hongkong Post announced it is suspending all sea mail deliveries to the US and will stop accepting any parcels bound for the US starting 27 April. It described the US approach as “unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively.”
As global shipping lanes become increasingly entangled with geopolitics and security concerns, logistics providers are facing new challenges in cross-border parcel delivery—particularly into the US.
