DHL has announced a suspension of certain shipments to the United States in response to a significant shift in U.S. customs regulations.
The change, effective from Monday, April 21, primarily affects business-to-consumer (B2C) parcels destined for private individuals with a declared value exceeding $800.
The adjustment follows the U.S. government’s decision to lower the threshold for formal customs clearance from $2,500 to $800.
This regulatory change has substantially increased the volume of parcels requiring detailed processing, creating pressure on customs operations.
DHL stated that the sudden shift has placed immense strain on the express delivery industry, resulting in significant delays.
In an official statement, the company explained that it is working swiftly to expand its clearance capacity.
However, due to the scale and immediacy of the regulatory change, shipments exceeding the $800 threshold are likely to experience multi-day delays.
The suspension applies exclusively to high-value shipments addressed to private individuals.
Business-to-business deliveries and parcels valued below $800, sent from companies to individuals, remain unaffected.
Looking ahead, further disruption may occur. Starting May 2, the U.S. is set to eliminate the de minimis exemption for packages from China and Hong Kong.
This exemption currently allows items under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free with minimal inspection.
While similar measures were postponed earlier this year due to inadequate customs infrastructure, the U.S. government is now determined to proceed with these changes.
The impact on the global e-commerce sector, particularly air cargo, remains uncertain. Some analysts predict a significant decline in shipment volumes, while others suggest that the low cost of goods from Asia may mitigate some of the effects.
However, delays in processing and increased delivery costs could reduce the attractiveness of online shopping from these regions.
In response, many Chinese e-commerce companies are exploring alternatives, such as building U.S.-based warehouses, increasing the use of ocean freight, or routing shipments through Canada and Mexico.
The broader trade environment continues to create uncertainty for small U.S. importers. A recent report from logistics platform Freightos highlighted widespread confusion and anxiety among businesses, particularly regarding the latest series of tariff announcements.
Survey data collected before a 90-day freeze on certain tariffs revealed that small importers rated their concerns at an average of 8.9 out of 10, with over 60% selecting the highest level of concern.
Many have halted shipments, sought new sourcing regions, or delayed decisions until more clarity emerges.
In real-time adjustments, container rates from China to Long Beach have dropped 16% since reciprocal tariffs were enacted on April 9, while rates from markets like Taiwan and Vietnam remain elevated, signaling that importers are already diversifying their supply chains.
Despite temporary relief from tariff freezes and electronics exemptions, the trade outlook remains volatile.
New proposals, such as port call fees for Chinese vessels, are being considered and could become part of a broader Maritime Action Plan.
For now, U.S. importers must navigate shifting trade rules, disrupted supply chains, and increasing cost pressures.
As one business told Freightos, while some shipments were expedited ahead of key deadlines, operations must continue amid growing uncertainty.
