Global Shipping to the U.S. Comes to a Halt: What’s Behind the Worldwide Suspension?

In an unexpected move that has thrown global logistics into disarray, dozens of countries have suspended package shipments to the United States. From major trading partners like Mexico and India to distant exporters like Australia and Sweden, the international postal network is now grinding to a halt for American-bound deliveries. At the heart of the disruption lies a single policy change made by the United States government that caught much of the world off guard.

Until recently, the U.S. allowed international packages valued under $800 to enter the country without incurring tariffs or undergoing extensive customs procedures. This so-called “de minimis” exemption had fueled a surge in global e-commerce and low-cost direct-to-consumer shipping, especially from countries with large manufacturing sectors. But in mid-2025, the U.S. abruptly revoked this exemption as part of a broader trade crackdown, citing national security concerns, particularly regarding the import of fentanyl and other illicit substances.

While the motive may have been to tighten oversight and protect domestic manufacturers, the sudden elimination of the de minimis threshold triggered mass confusion. Postal services around the world were left scrambling to understand what documentation was now required, who would be responsible for collecting duties, and how customs inspections would be handled for every low-value parcel entering the U.S.

The result has been an unprecedented wave of service suspensions. Mexico was among the first to halt outbound shipments through its national postal service, Correos de México, citing a lack of clear protocols. Shortly after, India followed suit, stopping all shipments over $100. Australia Post also paused most of its U.S.-bound services, warning customers of delays and rising costs. In Europe, countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and Austria began suspending services or returning U.S.-bound parcels to senders. Even small island nations like Jamaica have joined the freeze, awaiting further instruction from U.S. trade officials.

The consequences have been swift and severe. Small businesses that rely on affordable cross-border shipping are facing an unexpected crisis. Many have had to suspend operations entirely or shift to private couriers like DHL and FedEx, which come with significantly higher costs. Consumers, too, are feeling the impact. International orders are being delayed, canceled, or rerouted, with little information from sellers or postal services about when — or if — deliveries will resume.

For now, the United States has not issued a standardized international protocol for replacing the de minimis system, which is contributing to the uncertainty. Each country must now negotiate or interpret new customs rules on its own, with little guidance. Meanwhile, the U.S. customs system is also grappling with an influx of packages that previously passed through without scrutiny, adding to backlogs and logistical headaches at American ports of entry.

The disruption is arriving at a delicate time for global trade. Shipping routes have already been under stress due to port congestion, container shortages, and shifting maritime alliances. The sudden collapse of low-value shipping to the U.S. adds another layer of complexity for companies navigating an already volatile supply chain landscape.

Looking ahead, it’s unclear how long these shipping suspensions will last. Some governments are pushing for new bilateral agreements or temporary exceptions to allow parcels to resume flowing, but negotiations are slow. Industry analysts warn that unless a coordinated system is put in place soon, global e-commerce could face long-term consequences, not just for international sellers but for the millions of U.S. consumers who rely on affordable global goods.

In the meantime, business owners and shoppers alike are being urged to check with their national postal carriers and prepare for extended disruptions.

For many, the golden era of seamless global shipping to the U.S. may be coming to an end, or at least entering a far more complicated and costly chapter.