Story perspectives

US Postal Services Crippled by New Tariffs, 88 Operators Halt

9/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Postal services to the United States have nearly ceased, with 88 operators halting operations due to new tariffs.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) reported an 80% decline in postal traffic since the August 29 tariff changes.
The Trump administration ended the de minimis exemption for duty-free shipping on packages under $800.
De minimis packages increased from 140 million in 2014 to 1.36 billion in 2024.
Critics claim this surge harms US retailers and allows unsafe imports, including drugs.
The UPU acknowledged operators were unprepared for the new rules, leading to major disruptions.
The UPU is working on solutions to restore mail services to the US.

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Story summary

Postal services to the United States have nearly ceased, with 88 operators halting operations due to new tariffs.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) reported an 80% decline in postal traffic since the August 29 tariff changes.
The Trump administration ended the de minimis exemption for duty-free shipping on packages under $800.
De minimis packages increased from 140 million in 2014 to 1.36 billion in 2024.
Critics claim this surge harms US retailers and allows unsafe imports, including drugs.
The UPU acknowledged operators were unprepared for the new rules, leading to major disruptions.
The UPU is working on solutions to restore mail services to the US.