DHL to suspend global shipments of over $800 to US

DHL Express has announced the temporary suspension of international deliveries to the United States valued at more than $800, citing a “significant increase” in customs bureaucracy triggered by President Donald Trump’s latest tariff policies.

Effective Monday, the logistics giant will pause all high-value business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments from around the world to U.S. customers “until further notice”. Business-to-business (B2B) deliveries will continue but may also face significant delays due to stricter customs processing.

This disruption follows a sharp change in U.S. customs procedures, where the threshold for simplified clearance—previously set at $2,500—has now been lowered to $800.

DHL said the move has overwhelmed its operations, with “a surge in formal customs clearances” requiring 24/7 handling.

“Shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays,” the company stated, adding that packages under the $800 limit will still be processed with minimal checks.

The changes are part of President Trump’s aggressive new tariff regime targeting Chinese goods and closing long-standing trade loopholes. On May 2, the U.S. is expected to further restrict low-value shipments—especially from China and Hong Kong—by tightening the so-called “de minimis” rule, which currently allows packages under $800 to enter duty-free.

Retail giants such as Shein and Temu, who rely heavily on the loophole, have already warned consumers of impending price hikes due to the evolving trade restrictions.

The Trump administration argues that many low-value imports are used to smuggle illicit drugs into the country and claims the new rules are aimed at cracking down on synthetic opioid trafficking. “These measures are vital to addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain,” the White House said, calling it a “national security priority”.

In response, Beijing pushed back, labelling the U.S. approach as “bullying” and insisting that the opioid crisis is “a U.S. problem.” China also defended its strict drug enforcement policies, among the toughest globally.

Hongkong Post, meanwhile, has followed suit, suspending sea-bound deliveries to the U.S. and confirming it will stop accepting U.S.-bound parcels altogether from April 27.

With these cascading disruptions, international e-commerce and supply chains are bracing for wider consequences, especially for small businesses and consumers reliant on global trade.