U.S. customs shift hits exporters

The U.S. abolished its $800 de minimis threshold in late August 2025, forcing all incoming parcels—regardless of value—into full customs clearance. Intended to curb cheap imports from Asia and tighten tax enforcement, the change immediately disrupted cross-border trade. Global mail to the U.S. plunged by roughly 80% in the first days, according to the UPU, with some European postal operators pausing shipments.