• 25 countries suspend postal deliveries to the US due to new tariffs on packages.
• Trump administration's policy abolishes the $800 de minimis exemption for small packages.
• Countries including Australia, Japan, and France are affected by the disruptions.
• Postal operators are seeking clarity on operational changes to resume services.
• Small businesses face logistical challenges with rising shipping costs and delays.

At least 25 countries have temporarily suspended postal deliveries to the United States following the Trump administration's decision to eliminate the $800 de minimis exemption for small packages starting August 29. This change requires postal operators to collect duties for all parcels sent to the US, causing significant disruption in international shipping and e-commerce operations, particularly impacting small businesses that sell directly to US consumers, according to channelnewsasia and indiatimes.

Among the countries halting shipments are Australia, Japan, France, Germany, and India, citing the complexity and evolving nature of the regulations as a reason for their suspension of services. Australia Post expressed disappointment over this decision, highlighting that most US-bound packages would no longer be accepted and that gifts under $100 are exempt from this suspension, according to Reuters and channelnewsasia.

The United Nations’ Universal Postal Union (UPU) confirmed that the suspensions would remain in effect until more clarity is provided on how US authorities will implement their new tariff rules. This uncertainty has raised concerns among postal operators globally about the substantial operational changes required for compliance, as well as potential impacts on e-commerce, as many carriers cannot process the tariffs effectively, reports Dawn and trtglobal.

As a response to the turmoil, logistic experts caution that the newly enforced duties will lead to higher shipping costs for consumers and businesses alike, particularly affecting small retailers in countries like Australia, Japan, and India. Many e-commerce platforms have since ceased operations to the US to navigate the rising logistical challenges posed by the new tariffs, according to indiatimes and indiatimes.