How the End of Low-Value Parcel Exemptions by the Trump Administration Slashed U.S. Postal Traffic by 80%

Postal traffic to the United States has dropped dramatically—by over 80%—since the Trump administration ended a tariff exemption for low-cost imports. This shift has created a significant challenge for postal services worldwide.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), which connects postal operators globally, reported that many countries have halted some or all mail services to the U.S. This is primarily because the new rules require carriers to collect customs duties for packages valued at $800 or less. Before this change, goods below this value could enter the U.S. without extra fees.

The UPU noted that traffic from its nearly 192 member countries plunged by 81% on August 29, 2025, shortly after the new regulations took effect. Airlines and postal services were not ready to manage this new responsibility, leading to major disruptions.

Historically, the exemption, known as the “de minimis” rule, was introduced in the 1930s as part of the Tariff Act to simplify trade by lifting the burden of small import duties. It allowed items to enter the U.S. without customs checks, encouraging international shopping.

Data shows that the number of low-value parcels entering the U.S. exploded in the last decade, rising from 134 million shipments annually in 2015 to about 1.4 billion by 2025. At its peak, U.S. Customs and Border Protection was processing over 4 million of these parcels daily.

Although the new duties apply to all imported goods, U.S. residents can still receive gifts valued up to $100 without paying duties and can bring home up to $200 worth of personal items from abroad without incurring extra fees.

In the wake of these changes, experts have raised concerns about the impact on e-commerce and global trade. Some predict that this could discourage international buying and lead to increased shipping costs. The UPU emphasizes that postal services were insufficiently prepared for this overhaul. Users on social media have expressed frustration, highlighting how this affects their ability to receive affordable items from international sellers.

For further details about the executive order that triggered these changes, you can read the White House’s official fact sheet.

As the situation unfolds, it remains critical for both consumers and postal operators to navigate this new landscape effectively.

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United States Postal Service, Trump Administration