Cincinnati, Ohio – DHL Express recently announced a temporary suspension of deliveries exceeding $800 in response to rising costs and changes in U.S. Customs regulations influenced by the current administration’s tariff policies. The company cited a surge in formal customs clearances as one of the main reasons for this decision.
Starting on Monday, shipments valued over $800 will experience multi-day delays as DHL works to manage the increased workload brought on by the changes. Previously, packages up to $2,500 could enter the United States with minimal paperwork, but the threshold has now been lowered.
President Trump’s executive order targeting the “de-minimis” rule is said to be addressing issues related to the synthetic opioid supply chain. Companies like Temu and Shein, known for shipping inexpensive items from China to the U.S., have voiced concerns over potential price increases due to the tariffs.
While the White House claims that the rule change is crucial in combating the synthetic opioid crisis in the U.S., Beijing has countered by stating that the crisis is a result of American actions. China insists that it has strict drug policies in place.
DHL is among several shipping companies adjusting their operations in response to the new tariff policies. Based in Germany, the company is striving to navigate the challenges posed by the changes in tariff regulations. Business-to-business shipments will continue during the suspension period but may encounter delays.