Global delivery giant DHL Express has announced a temporary suspension of all business-to-consumer shipments valued over $800 to the United States, citing sweeping regulatory changes introduced under US President Donald Trump’s trade policy.

The move, effective 21 April, is a direct response to tightened US customs procedures that have dramatically increased red tape for high-value goods. Previously, international parcels up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork. However, following changes rolled out on 5 April, the new threshold now sits at $800, requiring formal customs clearance for a far larger volume of packages.

In a statement, DHL Express said the updated rules have triggered a surge in required documentation and customs processing, significantly slowing down operations.

“This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” the company said, noting the suspension is a temporary measure while it works to “scale up” processing capacity.

Shipments under the $800 threshold remain unaffected, and business-to-business (B2B) deliveries will continue, albeit with potential delays. DHL emphasized its commitment to working with customers to adapt to further changes scheduled for 2 May, when the US is expected to close the so-called “de minimis” loophole, currently allowing low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong to enter tariff-free.

That rule change could have significant ripple effects for e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, which have relied heavily on shipping low-cost goods directly to American consumers. Both companies have warned that prices may increase as a result of the new tariffs.

The Trump administration has linked the crackdown on low-value imports to efforts aimed at curbing the flow of synthetic opioids into the country. A White House executive order claimed many shippers from China “hide illicit substances” and mislabel goods as part of deceptive shipping practices.

China has pushed back against the claims, calling the US actions "unreasonable" and "bullying." Hongkong Post, in a show of protest, has also suspended packages sent to the US by sea and will stop accepting any US-bound parcels from 27 April.

As tensions continue to simmer in the ongoing US-China trade war, the DHL suspension highlights how tariff policies are now directly disrupting global logistics and affecting everyday consumers. With international delivery routes under strain and e-commerce platforms facing rising costs, the ripple effects of customs shifts are beginning to be felt far beyond political circles.