DHL suspends some shipments to US amid Trump tariff regime

DHL Express is suspending some shipments to the US as Donald Trump’s new tariff regime takes effect.

From 21 April, shipments worth more than $800 (£603) to US consumers from “any origin” will be temporarily suspended.

New rules that came into effect at the start of April made such shipments subject to increased customs checks.

“This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” said the parcel delivery service.

Shipments going from business to business worth more than $800 aren’t affected by the suspension, but DHL warned they may also face delays.

Shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers are not impacted, but one British cycle manufacturer suggested its US customers may need to split orders over $800 into “smaller shipments” to avoid the red tape.

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Trump targeting ‘deceptive’ practices

From May, shipments from China and Hong Kong that are worth less than $800 “will be subject to all applicable duties”, according to the White House.

“President Trump is targeting deceptive shipping practices by Chinese-based shippers, many of whom hide illicit substances, including synthetic opioids, in low-value packages,” it said in a statement.

Until now, deliveries worth less than $800 didn’t incur any duties, which allowed low-cost companies Chinese like Shein and Temu to make inroads in the US.

Both have warned their prices will now rise because of the rule changes, starting on 25 April.