France halts US-bound parcels as new tariffs disrupt trade

Thursday 28 August 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

France halts US-bound parcels as new tariffs disrupt trade

France’s national postal service, La Poste, has suspended business parcel deliveries to the United States, joining several European operators in response to upcoming import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The decision, effective Monday, excludes personal gifts valued under $100, which will still be shipped.

The move follows similar actions by Germany’s Deutsche Post, Denmark’s PostNord, Sweden’s postal service, and Italy’s Poste Italiane, all of which ceased processing most US-bound shipments over the weekend. The disruptions stem from a decree signed by US President Donald Trump in July, which eliminates the rule allowing duty-free entry for goods valued under $800. Starting August 29, these imports will face a 15% tariff, matching the rates applied to most European Union products.

Postal operators caught off guard

La Poste cited inadequate communication from US customs, which confirmed the tariff changes on August 15, leaving operators with little time to adjust their systems and procedures. “Despite discussions with US customs services, no time was provided to reorganize or ensure the necessary computer updates to meet the new regulations,” the company stated.

DHL, which owns Deutsche Post, also highlighted unresolved issues, including uncertainty over who will bear the cost of the tariffs, the additional data required, and how this information will be transmitted to US customs. Operators emphasized that letters, books, and gifts under $100 will still be accepted but warned of stricter inspections to prevent commercial goods being mislabeled as personal parcels.

Economic impact on small businesses

The sudden policy shift has sparked concerns among small and medium-sized businesses, which depend on cost-effective shipping methods to reach American customers. Analysts warn that the loss of the duty-free exemption could disproportionately impact European exporters of lower-value goods, compounding economic pressures in an already challenging global trade environment.

This latest development underscores growing tensions between the US and its European allies over trade policies, with the new tariffs likely to fuel further diplomatic and economic fallout.