DHL's Bold Move: How New US Tariffs Impact Global Shipments

DHL Express is making waves in the shipping industry with its recent decision to suspend deliveries to the US for any packages valued over $800 (£603) due to a marked increase in customs regulations following the introduction of Donald Trump’s new tariffs. This temporary halt, effective from Monday, affects shipments from all countries directed toward American consumers, with the exception of business-to-business deliveries, which may still face delays despite continuing operations.

Previously, packages valued at up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork; however, the new customs checks have lowered that threshold, placing significant strain on DHL’s workflow. The company has noted a surge in formal customs clearances, leading to ongoing efforts to manage the increased demand for processing these shipments around the clock.

While DHL will still facilitate the shipping of packages worth less than $800, their simplified clearance process may soon be impacted by the White House’s impending decision to eliminate the de minimis rule on May 2, specifically targeting low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong. This move is expected to affect numerous retailers, including Shein and Temu, who have indicated potential price hikes due to the recent changes in trading regulations.

These new policies have been enforced amid claims from the Trump administration regarding illicit practices among shippers in China, which purportedly contribute to issues surrounding the synthetic opioid crisis in the US. In a show of frustration, Hongkong Post has also announced the suspension of packages sent to the US, labeling the US practices as unreasonable and a form of bullying in international trade.

These developments signal a significant shift in the dynamics of global logistics and trade, raising important questions about how such tariff changes will reshape commerce between the US and other nations.