DHL Halts High-Value US Shipments Over Trump Tariffs
DHL Express is suspending business-to-consumer (B2C) deliveries to the US with a customs value exceeding US$800 as it faces additional costs and paperwork from new customs rules.
Since 5 April, as part of President Trump’s tariffs on trading partners, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented stricter controls on goods valued US$800 or more entering the country – down from the previous threshold of US$2,500.
The new rules mean shipments need a formal entry process to the US. This requires more rigorous customs checks, additional documentation and detailed paperwork and, in some cases, a customs bond.
In a statement, DHL says the change “has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock”.
As a result of this disruption, DHL notes it will temporarily stop shipments from companies in all countries to USA consumers from Monday 21 April “until further notice”.
Changes are not expected to business-to-business (B2B) shipments but there could be delays.
New tariffs cause ‘multi-day’ shipment delays
DHL says its move comes as a result of US Customs regulatory changes causing “multi-day transit delays to the US from any origin”.
It adds that it is “working diligently to scale up and manage this increase”.
B2B shipments to US companies with a declarable value above US$800 are not affected by the suspension, although DHL says they may also face delays.
Speaking to the Financial Times John Manners Bell, Chief Executive of consulting firm TI Insight said DHL’s decision “could be a sign that the global trading system is starting to break.”
He hinted that this could begin a trend of commercial carriers and postal organisations being unable to cope with the fallout of tariffs, saying: “The changes will have real implications for the international ecommerce industry, affecting many millions of parcels that flow every day to US importers, inevitably raising costs for US consumers.”
John told the Financial Times: “The tariffs and trade processes involved in the customs clearance process are playing havoc with supply chain strategies and this will inevitably result in additional costs and shortages for American businesses and consumers.”
Trump targets 'deceptive shipping practices'
DHL will continue to ship both B2B and B2C goods with a value below US$800.
However, the White House will target deliveries under US$800, specifically those from China and Hong Kong, from 2 May when it closes an existing loophole in the tariff system.
The current US de minimis rule exempts shipments valued at or below US$800 from paying duties and certain taxes upon entry into the country.
But in a 2 April Executive Order, Trump eliminated this in a move the White House says is to counter “the ongoing health emergency posed by the illicit flow of synthetic opioids into the US”.
It adds that “President Trump is targeting deceptive shipping practices by Chinese-based shippers, many of whom hide illicit substances, including synthetic opioids, in low-value packages to exploit the de minimis exemption.”
It is predicted that the removal of the de minimis rule will impact fast-fashion firms like Shein and Temu.
Both have recently released statements warning US customers that prices will increase as a result of heavy tariffs imposed on goods from China.
Since returning to the White House at the start of 2025, Trump has overseen a whirlwind of increasing tariffs on global partners to the US.
So far, he has imposed taxes of up to 145% on imports from China, with other countries facing a blanket 10% until July.
The Trump administration said on 15 April that levies on some goods from China could ultimately reach 245%.
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