UPU Reports Over 80% Drop in Postal Traffic to US After Rule Change
The suspension of a trade exemption rule by the Trump administration has led to a dramatic decline in postal traffic to the United States, according to the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Following the end of the “de minimis” rule on August 29, 2025, which previously allowed small packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs, postal traffic has plummeted by 81% compared to the previous week.
The UPU reported that the global postal network experienced what it described as a “near halt” in mail deliveries destined for the U.S. The organization is now actively exploring solutions to restore postal traffic, emphasizing its mission to ensure the free circulation of postal items.
Response from UPU and U.S. Officials
UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki stated, “The UPU has in its mission the responsibility to guarantee the free circulation of postal items over a single postal territory. We’re working to uphold that responsibility with the rapid development of a new technical solution that will help get mail moving to the United States again.”
In a broader context, the suspension of the de minimis rule was enacted through an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on July 30, 2025. The administration justified this decision as a necessary measure to combat criminal activities, including the trafficking of counterfeit goods and fentanyl, which have previously exploited this loophole.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott reinforced this stance, stating, “For too long, this loophole handed criminal networks a free pass to flood America with fentanyl, fake goods, and illegal shipments. Those days are over. We are securing the border, restoring fairness to trade, and protecting American families.”
Impact on Global Postal Services
The fallout from this regulatory change has prompted at least 88 postal operators worldwide to suspend some or all services to the United States, highlighting the immediate and significant effects on international postal operations. The UPU has been in discussions with these operators to find a way to resume services and mitigate the impact on global mail delivery systems.
As the UPU continues to develop potential solutions, the long-term implications of this policy change for international trade and postal services remain to be seen. The organization’s efforts to facilitate communication and goods exchange across borders will be crucial in navigating this new landscape.
The situation underscores the complexities of international trade regulations and their direct effects on global logistical networks, showcasing the delicate balance between security measures and the need for efficient postal services. As stakeholders await further developments, the impact of this rule change will be closely monitored by postal services and consumers alike.
