Overview

• The United States ended the $800 de‑minimis exemption on August 29, making most low‑value parcels subject to normal import duties.
• The UN postal agency recorded an 81% drop in U.S.-bound items on the start date compared with a week earlier and says the decline persists.
• Eighty‑eight postal operators from 78 countries and nine territories have suspended or limited services, and Deutsche Post/DHL curtailed shipments because of rule uncertainty.
• With de‑minimis gone, shipments are charged the prevailing country rate—about 15% for goods from the EU—and retailers face higher costs that are likely to raise consumer prices.
• To restore flows, the UPU has made a duty‑calculation and payment program available since Friday and its director has written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to flag operational hurdles.