DHL Suspends High-Value U.S. Deliveries Amid Tariff Shake-Up
HarbouchaNews — Global logistics leader DHL Express has announced a temporary suspension of all international shipments valued over $800 to U.S. consumers, citing increased customs complexities tied to the latest tariff regulations introduced under former President Donald Trump’s trade policy initiatives.
The suspension, effective immediately and lasting "until further notice," affects all business-to-consumer (B2C) parcels entering the United States from international sources. DHL clarified that while business-to-business (B2B) shipments will continue, they may also be subject to delays due to heightened scrutiny at U.S. customs checkpoints.
Customs Red Tape Surges Under New Trade Measures
Historically, shipments valued up to $2,500 could enter the U.S. with minimal documentation. However, the recent tightening of customs procedures — implemented in tandem with new tariff rules — has lowered the clearance threshold to $800. As a result, the volume of shipments requiring formal customs processing has spiked significantly.
DHL explained in a statement that its operations teams are working "around the clock" to manage the backlog. However, packages exceeding the new $800 limit may face "multi-day delays," regardless of their country of origin. The company confirmed it will continue delivering parcels under the $800 threshold, which are still eligible for expedited clearance.
U.S. to Eliminate ‘De Minimis’ Loophole in May
Compounding the logistical challenges, the Biden administration is preparing to shut down the "de minimis" loophole — a long-standing provision that exempts low-value goods (under $800) from import duties and extensive inspection. The change, set to take effect on May 2, will predominantly impact shipments from China and Hong Kong.
Fast-fashion powerhouses such as Shein and Temu — both of which rely heavily on the de minimis rule — have already warned of forthcoming price hikes. The companies attribute the expected increases to evolving global trade regulations and escalating tariffs, which are altering cost structures across international supply chains.
U.S. Targets Synthetic Opioids, Citing National Security Concerns
The White House has justified these measures as part of a broader initiative to combat the illegal influx of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. An executive order issued earlier this year claims that many shippers in China exploit the de minimis threshold to "disguise illicit substances" and mislabel package contents.
"The synthetic opioid supply chain represents a significant threat to U.S. national health and security," the administration said in a statement. Officials argue that stricter import controls are essential to tackling the ongoing opioid crisis, which continues to claim tens of thousands of American lives annually.
In response, Beijing has rebuffed the allegations, insisting that China enforces some of the toughest anti-narcotics laws globally. The Chinese government has characterized the fentanyl issue as "a domestic U.S. problem."
Hong Kong Responds with Shipping Restrictions
In solidarity with Beijing’s stance, Hongkong Post recently declared a halt to all sea-bound parcels destined for the U.S. The suspension is already in effect, and starting April 27, the service will cease accepting any packages bound for American addresses.
A spokesperson for Hongkong Post criticized the U.S. measures, labeling them as “unreasonable, abusive, and reflective of economic bullying tactics.”