If you’ve ever sent a parcel to friends or family in the United States—or perhaps you run a small business with American customers—there’s an urgent update from Australia Post you need to know about.

In a move that’s set to impact millions of Aussies, Australia Post has temporarily suspended several forms of postage to the US, citing a sudden change in American import tariff rules.

So, what’s going on, and how might it affect you? Let’s break it down.


The heart of the issue lies in new customs and import tariff regulations introduced by the Trump administration.

These changes, which have caught postal services worldwide off guard, include the suspension of the 'De Minimis exemption.'

Previously, parcels valued under US$800 (about $1,230 AUD) could enter the US without being taxed.


That’s all about to change: from August 29, even low-value parcels will be subject to tariffs or flat fees, and in some cases, tariffs must be prepaid before the item even arrives in the US.

Australia Post’s Executive General Manager, Gary Starr, explained: ‘Guidance from US Customs and Border Protection has only recently been issued and, like more than 190 other postal providers, we’ve been working at pace to find a solution.'

'We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers.’


The suspension affects Business Contract, MyPost Business, and Retail customers sending goods to the US and Puerto Rico (which falls under US Customs territory).

If you’re planning to send a parcel—whether it’s a birthday present, a business order, or a care package—Australia Post will not accept items bound for the US or Puerto Rico lodged on or after Wednesday, 26 August, until further notice.

However, there’s a silver lining: gifts under US$100 (about $153 AUD), as well as letters and documents, are not affected by these changes.

So, if you’re just sending a card or a small token, you’re in the clear.

The news has sent ripples through the community, especially among small business owners who rely on US customers.

Victoria-based quilt designer and teacher Emma Jean Jansen shared her frustration: ‘The hardest part for my business is trying to find information. Until a solution is finalised and properly implemented, they didn’t really have a choice. It was a big call to suspend shipping to the US, my largest customer base, but I had no choice.’

Even before this announcement, some Australians were already feeling the pinch.

Ninety-four-year-old author Everald Compton said, ‘When I mail my books to customers in USA they rarely arrive and cost is exorbitant.

Same happens in reverse. USA Post Office absolutely corrupt & hopeless.’

Australia Post isn’t alone in this. Postal services around the world are taking similar action.

New Zealand Post, the UK’s Royal Mail, France’s La Poste, Germany’s Deutsche Post, Spain’s Correos, and Italy’s Poste Italiane have all suspended most shipments to the US.

Even major logistics company DHL has temporarily stopped accepting business customer parcels to the US via the postal network, though DHL Express remains an option for urgent or high-value shipments.


The timing couldn’t be worse, with the busy Christmas period just around the corner.

Australia Post had only just announced plans to hire 3,500 seasonal workers to cope with the holiday rush.

Now, with these new restrictions, many families and businesses will need to rethink how they send gifts and goods overseas.

If you’re a business owner or someone who regularly sends parcels to the US, keep a close eye on the Australia Post website for updates, or call 13 POST (13 7678) for the latest information.

Australia Post is working with Zonos, a US Customs and Border Protection-authorised third-party provider, to develop a solution for business customers.

In the meantime, consider alternative shipping options, such as DHL Express, if your parcel is urgent.


For those sending letters, documents, or gifts under US$100, you can continue to use Australia Post as usual. But for everyone else, patience and planning will be key until a new system is in place.
Have you been affected by these changes? Are you a business owner worried about your US customers, or have you had trouble sending or receiving parcels from America in the past? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

Read more: ‘A tariff would be devastating’: Are we heading for a prescription crisis?