Twenty-five countries have halted postal shipments to the U.S. following uncertainty over new customs rules set to take effect this week, according to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations agency. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending a decades-old exemption that allowed duty-free imports under $800, a policy critical for cross-border e-commerce and small businesses.
The UPU, representing 192 member countries, stated it is collaborating with U.S. authorities to clarify the requirements. Director General Masahiko Metoki expressed concerns in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the need for swift resolution to avoid prolonged trade disruptions.
Experts warn the policy shift will ripple across global supply chains. Wang Shuo, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, highlighted that small e-commerce platforms and SMEs reliant on low-cost cross-border shipments will face immediate pressure. “Many will have no choice but to reduce operations or exit the U.S. market entirely,” he said. U.S.-based businesses are also at risk, with rising operational costs likely to trigger consumer price hikes.
Retailers like Walmart and Adidas have already adjusted prices upward by 15% and 22%, respectively, signaling early impacts. Wang noted that U.S. import duties now average their highest levels since 1934, potentially costing households $2,000 annually. Critics argue the policy disproportionately burdens working-class families while failing to protect jobs, as seen in Ford Motor Company’s recent cuts to benefits and employment amid rising steel costs.
As the UPU works to mitigate fallout, analysts urge stakeholders to prepare for prolonged adjustments in global trade dynamics.
