DHL halts high-value deliveries to the US amid tariff concerns

DHL Express has announced a suspension of shipments to the United States valued over $800 (Sh106,400), citing a sharp rise in customs-related complications linked to the recent implementation of Donald Trump’s new tariff policies.

The global courier service stated that starting Monday, it will temporarily halt deliveries from businesses in any country to individual customers in the U.S. “until further notice.”

Deliveries between businesses will still proceed, although the company cautioned that these may also encounter delays.

Previously, goods valued up to $2,500 (Sh323,425) could be imported into the U.S. with minimal documentation. However, following the stricter customs procedures that accompanied the new tariffs introduced earlier this month, the limit has now been reduced.

DHL explained that the policy shift has resulted in a significant increase in formal customs processing, which their teams are managing continuously.

While the company works to expand its capacity to cope with the demand, it warned that any shipment exceeding the $800 threshold, regardless of its origin, could be delayed for several days.

Shipments under $800 (Sh106,400) will continue to be processed with limited inspections and will remain unaffected by the temporary suspension.

The U.S. government is preparing to tighten regulations on imports valued below $800 (Sh106,400), especially those originating from China and Hong Kong, starting May 2, by closing a loophole that previously allowed such shipments to enter duty-free.

This move will effectively eliminate the "de minimis" exemption, which has allowed low-cost goods to bypass tariffs and duties.

The policy change is expected to directly affect popular e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, both of which have indicated they will raise prices due to the shift in international trade policies and tariff structures.

According to the Trump administration, several Chinese exporters have been using misleading shipping methods to conceal illegal items and misrepresent the contents of packages destined for the U.S.

Through a newly signed executive order, the White House explained that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to target the synthetic opioid supply chain, which it believes significantly contributes to the opioid crisis in America.

In response, China has pushed back, insisting that fentanyl abuse is primarily a domestic issue for the U.S., while also emphasizing that it enforces some of the world’s toughest drug laws.

Last week, Hongkong Post announced that it would halt shipments to the U.S. by sea, and starting April 27, it would cease accepting parcels headed for America altogether.

The postal service criticized the U.S., stating, "The U.S. is acting unreasonably, bullying, and imposing tariffs in an abusive manner."