Overview

• Australia Post suspended most U.S.-bound parcels effective 26 August, joining nearly 30 postal operators worldwide, with letters and gifts under US$100 still accepted and Puerto Rico included.
• The change comes ahead of the 29 August end of the de minimis rule, after which low‑value parcels will face ad valorem duties or a six‑month temporary fixed fee of US$80–US$200 per item.
• Carriers say key details remain unresolved, including who pays duties, how they are collected, and what data must be transmitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Australia Post is developing a prepaid‑duties solution with CBP‑authorised provider Zonos, while the UK’s Royal Mail has paused parcels and plans a Delivered Duties Paid option with a 50p handling charge.
• Some private express services continue under separate arrangements—FedEx in Australia remains available and Korea Post routes via UPS—though analysts warn small exporters and consumers face higher costs and disrupted sales.