Global Postal Systems Trip Over Trump’s New $100 Customs Threshold

Japan Post has temporarily suspended the acceptance of certain mail items bound for the United States in response to changes in U.S. customs regulations prompted by President Donald Trump’s executive order to end the global “de minimis” exemption. This exemption previously allowed low-value imported goods to enter the country duty-free. Effective August 29, 2025, all goods imported for personal use will be subject to tariffs, a shift that has created logistical challenges for postal operators worldwide. Japan Post announced on August 25 that it would begin suspending the acceptance of postal items, including small packets, parcels, and EMS (goods) containing individual gifts exceeding $100 in value or goods intended for resale [1].

The suspension, which aligns with actions taken by other national postal operators, is set to begin on August 27. Affected shipments include those containing goods for personal use valued above $100 and items for sale. However, letters, postcards, printed matter, and EMS (documents) remain unaffected, as do gifts valued under $100. Japan Post has emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new U.S. customs procedures, particularly regarding the requirement for transport operators to pay customs deposits and prepare detailed declarations. The lack of clarity has made compliance difficult for international postal services [1].

To accommodate U.S.-bound shipments within the new regulatory framework, Japan Post has highlighted an alternative option through its international courier service, UGX (U-Global Express). This service is designed to comply with U.S. customs regulations and remains available for those requiring delivery of parcels to the United States. The company expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the suspension and encouraged users to seek the latest updates on international mail statuses via its official website. The move underscores the broader impact of U.S. import policy shifts on global postal logistics and international trade operations [1].

The executive order issued by Trump on July 30, 2025, is part of a broader set of tariff actions aimed at addressing trade imbalances and perceived economic threats. These include “trafficking” tariffs, which target goods from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada over fentanyl-related concerns, and “worldwide” or “reciprocal” tariffs that apply a baseline rate of 10% on imports from most countries. Legal challenges to these tariffs have emerged, with businesses and states arguing that such broad measures violate constitutional provisions by improperly delegating taxing powers to the executive. Courts have begun to weigh in, with recent rulings from the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) suggesting that Trump’s tariff policies may be unconstitutional under current legal frameworks [3].

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that these tariff increases, which have raised effective rates by about 18 percentage points compared to the previous year, could reduce the federal deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade. This projection includes $3.3 trillion in reduced primary deficits and $700 billion in lower interest payments. However, the CBO also noted that the outcome depends on the continuation of the current tariff regime and the resolution of ongoing legal challenges. Analysts from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) have echoed these findings, estimating that tariffs could reduce the deficit by up to $2.8 trillion over the same period [4].

While proponents view the tariffs as a tool for reducing deficits and protecting domestic industries, critics warn of potential unintended consequences. These include higher consumer prices, trade tensions, and economic strain on small businesses. The legal and economic landscape remains fluid, with both the Federal Circuit and the Supreme Court likely to play critical roles in determining the legality and long-term impact of the tariffs. The outcome of these proceedings could significantly shape the future of U.S. trade policy and its ripple effects on international commerce. [3]

Source:

[1] News - Japan Post (https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/2025/0825_01_en.html)

[2] Japan Post suspends some US-bound mail after US ends ... (https://www.reuters.com/en/japan-post-suspends-some-us-bound-mail-after-us-ends-duty-exemption-2025-08-25/)

[3] The Supreme Court and Trump's tariffs: an explainer (https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/08/the-supreme-court-and-trumps-tariffs-an-explainer/)

[4] Trump is bringing in enough revenue from tariffs to cut ... (https://fortune.com/2025/08/25/how-much-revenue-deficit-reduction-trump-tariffs-cbo-4-trillion/)