DHL Suspends High-Value US Deliveries Amid Rising Tariff Tensions and Customs Crackdown

DHL suspends high-value deliveries to the U.S. due to increased customs checks amid Trump’s new tariffs, signaling rising global trade tensions and looming disruptions for international e-commerce.

Global logistics giant DHL Express has announced the temporary suspension of high-value deliveries to the United States due to a dramatic increase in customs clearance requirements following the Trump administration’s latest wave of tariffs. The move highlights the growing disruption in global trade routes as geopolitical tensions, protectionist policies, and regulatory overhauls increasingly affect international commerce.

Red Tape Overload Forces DHL to Hit Pause

Effective Monday, DHL will stop shipments to American consumers valued at over $800 from all international markets “until further notice.” The company cites an overwhelming spike in customs procedures that has significantly slowed the processing of higher-value items entering the U.S.

Previously, items valued up to $2,500 could be imported into the U.S. with minimal documentation. However, the new tariffs—part of the Trump administration’s revived trade offensive—have resulted in tightened customs controls and a lower threshold for streamlined entry. This has overwhelmed DHL’s operations, especially with the sudden need for formal customs clearances on a much larger number of shipments.

“The change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL said in a statement. “While we work to scale up and manage this increase, shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays.”

Business-to-business (B2B) shipments will continue but are also expected to face longer processing times. Deliveries valued under $800 remain unaffected, as they are still eligible for expedited customs handling—at least for now.

“De Minimis” Rule on the Chopping Block

The situation is expected to worsen in early May when the White House plans to clamp down on the so-called “de minimis” rule, which currently allows packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free and with minimal checks. The rule has been heavily utilized by Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, enabling them to ship low-cost goods directly to U.S. consumers without incurring tariffs or delays.

Starting May 2, the U.S. will begin closing this loophole, particularly for shipments originating from China and Hong Kong. The change is part of a broader campaign to address what the administration claims are “deceptive shipping practices” and the smuggling of illicit substances.

The White House has tied the new measures to its fight against synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, which has played a central role in the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. An executive order described the actions as necessary to disrupt supply chains that allegedly facilitate the importation of dangerous drugs.

“Many shippers in China hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the U.S. through deceptive shipping practices,” the administration stated.

Rising Prices and Growing Frustration

The move has already had ripple effects on global e-commerce. Both Shein and Temu have warned that their prices may rise in response to the shifting trade landscape and new customs duties.

Hongkong Post has also taken preemptive action, announcing it would suspend sea-based deliveries to the U.S., and as of April 27, will stop accepting parcels bound for America altogether. In a sharply worded statement, it accused the U.S. of “unreasonable, bullying” behavior and of abusing its trade powers through excessive tariff impositions.

Beijing has pushed back strongly against U.S. allegations and policy moves, saying fentanyl abuse is a domestic issue for America. Chinese officials maintain that their country enforces some of the strictest drug laws globally and deny playing a central role in the U.S. opioid crisis.

Global Trade in the Crosshairs

DHL’s decision underscores the broader challenges faced by international businesses navigating the evolving U.S. trade landscape. With mounting delays, increasing regulatory hurdles, and rising shipping costs, exporters and importers alike are being forced to rethink their logistics strategies.

As the May deadline approaches and the trade war continues to escalate, companies and consumers around the world are bracing for further disruptions, rising prices, and longer delivery times—another sign that global trade is entering a more fragmented and contentious era.