DHL Express announced on April 19, 2025, it will suspend international shipments to US consumers for packages valued over $800, effective May 1, due to President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs.
Reuters reported the decision stems from a 10% blanket import duty and additional 25% tariffs on non-US goods, which have spiked logistics costs. DHL, handling 1.2 billion parcels annually, said the policy affects 15% of its US-bound shipments, primarily electronics and apparel, costing consumers an estimated $500 million yearly in added fees, per Bloomberg. The move aims to protect DHL’s $90 billion revenue stream amid US trade wars with China and the EU.
Retailers like Amazon and Shein, reliant on DHL for 30% of US deliveries, face supply chain disruptions, with SMEs hit hardest, per The Wall Street Journal. DHL urged customers to use domestic carriers like FedEx for high-value goods, but critics argue this favors US firms, aligning with Trump’s “America First” agenda.