DHL Express Halts Some U.S. Deliveries Amid Tariff Changes, Citing customs Red Tape
The delivery giant is temporarily suspending shipments over $800 to American consumers due to increased scrutiny following new tariffs.
DHL Express has announced it is suspending deliveries to the U.S. for shipments valued at more than $800,citing a “critically important increase” in customs red tape. The move,wich took effect Monday,impacts shipments from companies in all countries destined for American consumers,and will remain in place “until further notice.”
The suspension comes in response to tightened customs checks implemented alongside new tariffs, according to DHL. While business-to-business shipments will continue, the company warns that “though they may also face delays.”
Increased Scrutiny on Imports
Previously,packages valued up to $2,500 could enter the U.S. with minimal paperwork. However, the threshold has been substantially lowered due to stricter customs enforcement that coincided with the introduction of the Trump management’s tariffs earlier this month. This change, according to DHL, “has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock.”
DHL is working to “scale up and manage this increase,” but notes that shipments worth over $800, irrespective of origin, “may experience multi-day delays.” The company will continue to deliver packages valued under $800, which are subject to fewer checks.
The End of De Minimis?
The White House is also planning to crack down on deliveries valued under $800, particularly those originating from China and Hong Kong.On May 2, the administration plans to close a loophole that allows low-value packages to enter the U.S.without incurring duties.This involves the removal of the so-called “de minimis” rule — a provision that allows goods under a certain value to enter a country duty-free and with minimal documentation.
The elimination of the de minimis exception is poised to affect fast-fashion companies like Shein and low-cost retail giants such as Temu. Both companies have issued warnings that they will be forced to increase prices “due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs.”
National Security Concerns and the Opioid Crisis
the Trump administration has stated that “many shippers” in China “hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the US through deceptive shipping practices.” This concern is tied to efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs into the country. Under an executive order, the White House said the measures were aimed at “addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain” which it said “play a significant role in the synthetic opioid crisis in the US.”
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been a significant driver of overdose deaths in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provisional data indicates over 70,000 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone occurred in the United States in 2023 alone. The executive order aims to reduce the flow of these drugs by increasing scrutiny of inbound shipments.
However, China maintains that the opioid fentanyl is a “US problem” and asserts that it has the strictest drug policies in the world.
Global Impact
The impact of these changes is already being felt beyond U.S. borders. Last week, Hongkong Post announced it was suspending packages sent to the U.S. by sea and, starting April 27, would cease accepting parcels destined for America. Hongkong Post stated: “The US is unreasonable,bullying and imposing tariffs abusively.”
| country/Region | Action | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express (Global) | Suspension of deliveries to the US over $800 | April 28, 2025 |
| Hongkong Post | Suspension of sea mail to the US; Cessation of accepting parcels to the US | April 27, 2025 |
Counterargument: The Benefit of Increased Security
While the changes implemented by the Trump administration may cause short-term disruption and increased costs for businesses and consumers, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of enhanced security and a level playing field for domestic businesses outweigh these drawbacks. By cracking down on undervalued shipments and illicit goods,the government aims to protect American jobs and reduce the flow of dangerous substances into the country.
FAQ: Impact of DHL Delivery suspension
What types of shipments are affected by the DHL Express suspension?
The suspension applies to shipments from companies in all countries to american consumers that are valued at more than $800.
Will business-to-business shipments be affected?
While business-to-business shipments will still go ahead, DHL warns that they “may also face delays.”
When does the suspension go into effect?
The suspension took effect on Monday, April 28, 2025, and will remain in place “until further notice.”
Why is DHL Express suspending these deliveries?
DHL cites a “significant increase” in customs red tape following the introduction of new tariffs and stricter customs checks.
What is the “de minimis” rule and how does it’s removal affect consumers?
The “de minimis” rule allows low-value packages to enter the U.S. without incurring duties. Its removal, scheduled for May 2, 2025, will likely led to increased prices for goods, particularly from companies like Shein and Temu.
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