DHL Express has stopped deliveries to the United States for shipments worth more than $800. The company cited a surge in customs bureaucracy caused by the latest U.S. tariff policies. The suspension begins Monday and will continue until further notice. It mainly affects international deliveries to individual U.S. buyers. DHL said new customs procedures, prompted by stricter trade rules, have led to significant delays.
Business Shipments Continue with Caution:
DHL will still process business-to-business shipments, but they may face delays. Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 passed through customs easily. Now, new policies have lowered the threshold to $800. DHL explained that the increased customs procedures have overwhelmed their staff. They are working hard to clear shipments as quickly as possible.
New Customs Inspections Drive Increased Delays:
Shipments over $800 will likely face delays, regardless of where they come from. DHL will continue to handle smaller packages with minimal customs checks. However, this will change on May 2. A new rule will end duty-free entry for low-cost goods. Previously, goods from China and Hong Kong entered under the “de minimis” rule, but that will no longer be the case. This change is part of the U.S. government’s broader efforts to tighten import regulations.
Impact on Retailers and Price Increases:
Retailers like Shein and Temu expect price increases due to these customs changes. They blame new global tariffs and stricter shipping rules. The U.S. government has accused Chinese shippers of smuggling banned items. Fentanyl, a drug linked to the opioid crisis, is a major target of these efforts. The White House says these changes aim to stop illegal opioids from entering the U.S.
Growing Tensions with China and Hong Kong:
China rejected the U.S. claims, saying fentanyl abuse is an American problem. Chinese officials argue their country enforces the world’s strictest drug regulations. Meanwhile, Hongkong Post has joined DHL in halting sea shipments to the U.S. Starting April 27, Hongkong Post will stop accepting packages bound for the U.S. The service criticized the U.S. for aggressive and unfair tariff policies, adding more tension to the trade dispute.
DHL’s pause on high-value shipments is just one sign of the growing impact of stricter U.S. customs rules. These changes could have long-term effects on global trade. Retailers and consumers should prepare for possible price hikes and delays. The U.S. government is focused on reducing the flow of illegal goods, but the full consequences of these actions remain unclear.