Japan Post Halts US Mail Deliveries Amid Global Backlash to Trump's Tariff Overhaul

In a significant move, Japan Post has announced that it will no longer deliver mail to the United States. This action aligns Japan with other nations, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, France, India, and Sweden, which have also temporarily halted their shipments. The decision stems from the recent U.S. government action to end the long-standing de minimis exemption, which previously allowed low-value imports to enter the U.S. without incurring duties.

The changes take effect following an executive order, scheduled for August 29, 2025, which eliminates the duty-free status of personal goods previously exempt from tariffs. This shift has caused confusion and required international postal services to adjust their operations accordingly. Countries such as Japan are now pausing shipments to the U.S. until clearer import duty guidelines are established.

This suspension of mail and package deliveries to the United States represents a broader shift in international mail logistics. Postal operators are voicing concerns regarding new import duties, along with the potential for heightened customs checks and procedures. These challenges have contributed to the decision to halt services, as countries navigate this new landscape in global trade.

The situation highlights the vast implications of trade policy changes on global postal and logistics networks. As country-specific rules evolve, other nations contemplating similar measures will weigh their impacts on international delivery systems.