DHL suspends US deliveries over Trump tariffs, halting shipments valued over $800 amid a surge in customs red tape triggered by the latest round of tariff measures introduced by the Trump administration. The logistics giant announced that the suspension will begin Monday and will remain in place “until further notice.”
The change comes in response to a stricter enforcement of customs protocols following the introduction of new tariffs and trade restrictions by the White House earlier this month. Previously, goods valued up to $2,500 could enter the United States with minimal documentation. However, that threshold has now been significantly lowered, overwhelming DHL’s customs processing operations.
“The change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL stated, adding that it is scaling up operations to manage the backlog.
While business-to-business (B2B) deliveries will continue, they may also experience multi-day delays. Personal shipments valued under $800 are still permitted under current policy and will be processed normally — for now.
Crackdown on the “De Minimis” Loophole
The suspension is partly in anticipation of a May 2 crackdown on the “de minimis” rule, which currently allows low-value packages (under $800) to enter the U.S. without incurring import duties. This loophole has been widely used by e-commerce platforms, especially Chinese fast-fashion brands like Shein and Temu.
Both companies have already warned of upcoming price hikes in response to changes in U.S. trade policy.
The Trump administration has framed the move as a national security measure, alleging that “many shippers” from China conceal illicit goods, including synthetic opioids, within low-value parcels.
The White House executive order claimed the crackdown was essential to “addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain,” linking these trade routes to the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S.
Global Backlash and Response
The decision has sparked a growing international backlash. Hongkong Post recently suspended U.S.-bound shipments by sea, and from April 27 will stop accepting all parcels to the U.S., calling the new policies “unreasonable, bullying, and abusive.”
China, meanwhile, dismissed the accusations, stating that opioid control is a U.S. problem, asserting that it already enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world.
What This Means for Consumers and Retailers
The impact of DHL suspending US deliveries over Trump tariffs will ripple across global e-commerce:
- Delays for cross-border shipments valued above $800
- Increased costs for businesses and consumers using platforms like Shein and Temu
- Customs bottlenecks leading to disruptions in global supply chains
- Potential retaliation from China or other trading partners
As DHL and other logistics companies scramble to adapt, global retailers and consumers should brace for slower deliveries and rising costs, especially for goods coming from Asia. The policy shift marks a deeper push by the Trump administration to realign global trade in favor of domestic security and industry — even as it strains international commerce.
