Australia Post has announced it will stop sending most parcels to the United States and Puerto Rico indefinitely, after a dramatic shake-up to US tariffs and customs rules brought in by the Trump administration.
The suspension, which kicked in on August 26, applies to business contract, MyPost Business, and retail customers and will stay in place “until further notice” — a move that’s left many small businesses and regular senders scrambling for alternatives.
Why has Australia Post suspended some deliveries to the US?
At the centre of the disruption is the US government scrapping the “de minimis” exemption, which previously let parcels worth under US$800 (about $1,230 AUD) into the US without attracting tariffs. Now, starting August 29, every shipment — no matter how small — will have to pre-pay tariffs before entering the States.
The White House reckons this closes a “catastrophic loophole” in their words, blaming the old rules for “shippers sending illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, precursors, and paraphernalia into the United States in reliance on the lower security measures applied to de minimis shipments, killing Americans”.
According to Australia Post, “This response is in line with action taken by numerous postal operators internationally,” as postal services from Europe, India, and parts of Asia have also suspended US deliveries in response to the change.
What can still be sent to the US with Australia Post?
If you’re posting a letter, documents, or a gift worth less than US$100 (around $154 AUD), those are still good to go. But everything else — from retail orders to care packages — has been caught up in the new rules until a solution is found.
What has Australia Post said?
Gary Starr, Australia Post’s Executive General Manager of Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services, said, “We are disappointed we have had to take this action; however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers.”
He added, “Australia Post continues to work with US and Australian authorities and international postal partners to resume postal service to the US as a priority.”
The company is working with Zonos, a third-party provider for US Customs and Border Protection, to create a workaround for business customers — but there’s no timeframe on when everything will be up and running again.
What does this mean for businesses and shoppers?
It’s not great! The change is a major headache for businesses that regularly ship to American customers, with some having to halt US orders altogether.
Many small business owners have already reached out to their customers with the news of the changes.
Australia Post and the government are encouraging affected customers to check their website or call for updates, promising they’ll restore service as soon as they’re able.
“The United States’ decision to remove exemptions from tariffs and duties for low-value imports is disappointing and will only drive up costs for American families and small businesses,” a government spokesperson said, per Nine.
“The Albanese government will work with Australia Post to limit disruption for affected customers while they make adjustments to comply with new requirements.”
So, if you’re hoping to send bulk Tim Tams or Labubus to your US besties, it’s a no-go. But your handwritten letter or a card will still make it through. For everything else, Australia Post says, hang tight!
Lead image: Instagram / Getty
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