Mexico halts package shipments to the US amid tariff changes

In Mexico, the postal service Correos de Mexico has temporarily halted package shipments to the United States effective August 27, 2025. This decision aligns with a broader response from multiple nations reacting to significant changes in U.S. tariff policies. The recent executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump eliminated the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed packages valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free. This change marks a significant adjustment that could impact the international mailing and shipment industry as countries work to adapt to the new requirements. The Universal Postal Union, which oversees international mail coordination, expressed concerns regarding the abrupt timeline provided for compliance with new customs duties. Postal services across over 30 countries have already suspended or limited the shipment of small parcels to the U.S. as they seek more clarity on the new regulations. The UPU is actively collaborating with U.S. authorities to ensure that essential information is communicated effectively, highlighting the challenges and operational disruptions faced by postal networks worldwide. The removal of the de minimis exemption, established initially to facilitate easier trade and consumer access to low-value goods, has raised alarms about its implications. The Trump administration described the existing provision as a loophole exploited by foreign businesses and criminal organizations alike. Consequently, packages entering the U.S. will now require a duty payment that varies based on the shipping country’s tariff rate, complicating the mailing process, particularly for e-commerce. This disruption comes amid broader trade negotiations and relationships between the United States and its trading partners, especially in light of ongoing discussions about tariffs and other trade policies. As countries like Mexico, Australia, Germany, and South Korea react to these regulatory changes, they face uncertainty regarding the establishment of new operational processes to resume regular postal services. The future of international postal delivery systems remains uncertain as countries work through compliance while trying to maintain trade relationships with the United States.