DHL suspends high-value US deliveries due to Trump tariffs, tighter rules to impact Shein and Temu prices

DHL Express has announced it will temporarily suspend deliveries of packages valued over $US800 ($1252) to consumers in the United States, citing a sharp rise in customs paperwork following new tariff rules introduced by the Trump administration.

Starting Monday, shipments from businesses worldwide to American consumers exceeding the $US800 threshold will be put on hold “until further notice,” the company said.

Business-to-business shipments will continue but may face delays due to the increased customs scrutiny.

Previously, packages worth up to $US2500 could enter the US with minimal documentation. However, tighter customs inspections, effective from April 5, have lowered this threshold to $US800, causing a surge in formal clearance procedures that DHL is working to manage around the clock.

While shipments under $US800 will still be delivered with minimal checks, the White House plans to further tighten regulations on May 2 by closing a loophole that currently allows low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the US duty-free.

This change is expected to impact online retailers like Shein and Temu, both of which have warned customers about upcoming price increases due to these new trade rules.

The Trump administration justified the stricter customs measures by citing concerns over deceptive shipping practices used to smuggle illicit substances, including synthetic opioids, into the US.

Beijing has responded by calling fentanyl a “US problem” and highlighting China’s strict drug enforcement policies.

It comes as Hongkong Post recently suspended sea mail shipments to the US, condemning the American government’s actions as “unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively.”

DHL emphasised that the suspension of high-value consumer shipments is a temporary measure and pledged to keep customers informed as the situation evolves.