DHL suspends high-value global shipments to US consumers over tariffs
DHL Express says it will suspend global business-to-consumer shipments worth over $800 to individuals in the United States starting on April 21, as U.S. customs regulatory changes have lengthened the clearance process.
A notice on the company website was not dated, but its metadata showed it was posted on Saturday.
DHL, a division of Germany's Deutsche Post, blamed the halt on new U.S. customs rules, which require formal entry processing on all shipments worth over $800. The minimum had been $2,500 until a change on April 5.
DHL said business-to-business shipments would not be suspended but could face delays. Shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers were not affected by the changes.
The move is a temporary measure, the company said in its statement.
DHL said last week, in response to Reuters questions, that it would continue to process shipments from Hong Kong to the United States "in accordance with the applicable customs rules and regulations" and would "work with our customers to help them understand and adapt to the changes that are planned for May 2."
That message came after Hongkong Post said it had suspended mail services for goods sent by sea to the United States, accusing the U.S. of "bullying" after Washington cancelled tariff-free trade provisions for packages from China and Hong Kong.