INTERNATIONAL
Australia Post suspends most parcel services to US in response to tariffs
An Australia Post red street posting box stands alongside an express post box in Sydney, Australia, August 26, 2025. - REUTERS
CANBERRA: Australia's postal service said on Tuesday that it has suspended most parcel deliveries to the United States (US) ahead of new import tariffs, reported Xinhua.
AI Brief
Australia Post stated, "businesses selling products to American customers will be blocked from using the government-owned carrier for shipping, effective immediately."
The decision was announced ahead of United States (US) tariffs on low-value parcels, which will come into effect on Friday, and brings Australia Post in line with other postal services around the world that have halted shipments to the US.
However, Australia Post said it would continue shipping letters, documents and packages that are declared as gifts and worth less than US$100.
Gary Starr, executive general manager of parcel, post and e-commerce services at Australia Post, said in a statement that the decision was made to ensure compliance with new US Customs and Border Protection requirements.
"We are disappointed that we have had to take this action," he said.
"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."
Australia Post said that the suspension would remain in place until further notice.
US President Donald Trump, in late July, signed an executive order abolishing an exemption that allowed packages worth less than US$800 to enter US duty-free, from Aug. 29.
--BERNAMA-XINHUA
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AI Brief
- Australia Post stops shipping business parcels to the US due to new American tariff rules.
- Letters, documents, and gifts under $100 can still be sent.
- The suspension is temporary while Australia Post works on a solution to meet US customs requirements.
Australia Post stated, "businesses selling products to American customers will be blocked from using the government-owned carrier for shipping, effective immediately."
The decision was announced ahead of United States (US) tariffs on low-value parcels, which will come into effect on Friday, and brings Australia Post in line with other postal services around the world that have halted shipments to the US.
However, Australia Post said it would continue shipping letters, documents and packages that are declared as gifts and worth less than US$100.
Gary Starr, executive general manager of parcel, post and e-commerce services at Australia Post, said in a statement that the decision was made to ensure compliance with new US Customs and Border Protection requirements.
"We are disappointed that we have had to take this action," he said.
"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."
Australia Post said that the suspension would remain in place until further notice.
US President Donald Trump, in late July, signed an executive order abolishing an exemption that allowed packages worth less than US$800 to enter US duty-free, from Aug. 29.
--BERNAMA-XINHUA