Multiple postal services around Europe say they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid a lack of clarity over new import duties.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The end of an exemption on tariff duties for low-value packages coming into the United States is causing multiple international postal services to pause shipping as they await more clarity on the rule.

The exemption, known as the “ de minimis” exemption, allows packages worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty free. A total of 1.36 billion packages were sent in 2024 under this exemption, for goods worth $64.6 billion, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agency.

It is set to expire on Friday. On Saturday, postal services around Europe announced that they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid confusion over new import duties.

  • WanderWisley@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    5 hours ago

    Good! This country needs to be taught a lesson. I am a big fan of Japanese culture and own a Japanese car and I can hold back on any major purchases if needed. But for my super conservative/ hyper capitalist coworkers who “have” to always be buying something are already complaining that there stuff from amazon and temu are increasing in price or are not getting shipped are going has a rude awakening. Christmas is gonna be hilarious and sad for most of us.