Postal Traffic to US Drops 80% After Trade Exemption Rule Ends, UN Agency Says
A significant decline in global postal traffic to the United States has been reported by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with data showing a staggering 80% drop after the Trump administration suspended a trade exemption rule. According to the UPU, the "de minimis" trade exemption that allowed small packages worth less than $800 to be exempt from tariffs ended on August 29, 2025.
The impact of this change has been severe, with postal traffic en route to the US coming to a near halt, according to data between postal operators. The UPU is working to develop a new solution to restore postal traffic to the US, which had become a vital lifeline for online shoppers in the country. "We are doing everything we can to find a solution that works for everyone," said a spokesperson for the UPU.
The de minimis exemption was a key provision of the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) 1969 agreement, which allowed small packages worth less than $800 to be tariff-free when sent from one country to another. The Trump administration suspended this rule in late August, citing concerns that it was unfair to US businesses and consumers.
According to Chandelis Duster of NPR News, the suspension of the de minimis exemption has had a significant impact on global postal traffic to the US. "The UPU said the global postal network saw postal traffic en route to the US 'come to a near halt' after August 29," Duster reported.
Experts say that the loss of this trade exemption will have far-reaching consequences for online shoppers and businesses in the US. "This is a major blow to e-commerce, which relies heavily on international shipping," said an industry expert. "We need to find a solution quickly to avoid further disruptions."
The UPU has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is working with postal operators and governments around the world to develop a new solution. In the meantime, online shoppers in the US may face increased delays and higher costs for international shipping.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the suspension of the de minimis exemption has had a profound impact on global postal traffic to the US. The UPU's efforts to find a solution will be closely watched by businesses, consumers, and governments around the world.
In related news, the USPS has reported an increase in domestic shipping volumes as online shoppers turn to domestic carriers for their international shipping needs. However, this shift is not without its challenges, with some experts warning of potential bottlenecks and delays in domestic shipping infrastructure.
The UPU's efforts to find a solution will be crucial in restoring postal traffic to the US and mitigating the impact on online shoppers and businesses. As one industry expert noted, "We need to work together to find a solution that works for everyone – consumers, businesses, and governments alike."
This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and NPR News.
