25 countries halt mail to U.S. over tax uncertainty: UN postal body

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) said 25 countries have suspended mail shipments to the U.S. due to uncertainty over new customs rules taking effect August 29. The changes, ordered by President Donald Trump, end the long-standing “de minimis” exemption that allowed imports under $800 to enter duty-free.
The UPU warned of major disruptions, with experts saying small e-commerce firms and SMEs dependent on cross-border parcels will be hit hardest. Even U.S. businesses face higher costs, which are already showing in retail prices — Walmart products are up 15 percent and Adidas plans a 22 percent hike in its fall footwear collection.
Analysts say U.S. households could lose about $2,000 annually under the policy, with working-class families most affected. Critics argue Trump’s tariff strategy has raised import duties to their highest level since 1934 without protecting jobs, pointing to Ford Motor’s cuts in benefits and staff as an example.
Credit: CGTN