Postal agencies in Australia and Switzerland have become the latest to suspend parcel shipments to the United States, joining a fast-growing list of countries impacted by Washington’s abrupt tariff reforms. The move comes just days before new U.S. trade levies take effect on Friday, August 29.
Australia Post confirmed on Tuesday that it would “partially suspend postal sending to the United States and Puerto Rico, effective August 26 until further notice.” The agency said the decision was unavoidable after the Trump administration introduced sweeping changes to customs and tariff rules. These include ending the de minimis exemption for low-value imports under $800 and requiring tariffs to be prepaid before goods arrive in the U.S.
For years, this exemption allowed Australian retailers to send products under $800 duty-free, a channel heavily used by exporters. Starting August 29, all parcels, regardless of value, will face duties or flat fees. Australia Post’s suspension means local businesses can no longer use its network to reach U.S. customers, significantly disrupting cross-border e-commerce.
Swiss Post issued a similar announcement on Monday, halting U.S.-bound consignments except for urgent express deliveries such as official papers and certificates. It explained that the sudden regulatory changes have created logistical obstacles, making standard shipping nearly impossible. However, the agency said it may soon allow limited shipments, such as private gifts valued at under $100, while exploring alternative channels outside the postal system.
The United States’ decision, formalized in an executive order signed on July 30, has triggered similar actions across Europe and Asia. India, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden have already suspended or restricted postal exports to the U.S. France’s La Poste said it lacked time to reprogram its customs systems, while the UK’s Royal Mail stopped shipments this week to clear existing parcels before the rules take effect.
Industry observers warn that the new U.S. policy could cause significant disruptions for small businesses that depend on international customers. CBS News reported that from August 29, the only exemptions will be for letters, books, documents, and small gifts valued below $100.
The suspension of the $800 duty-free threshold has created widespread uncertainty for global postal services and exporters, forcing governments and carriers to reassess shipping routes and costs in real time.
