Trump’s Effect On US Postal Deliveries

International shipments to the United States have collapsed by a staggering 80% after President Donald Trump ended a long-standing loophole that allowed foreign companies to ship goods into America without paying tariffs.

For decades, cheap products from countries like China flooded U.S. markets tax-free, putting American workers and small businesses at a serious disadvantage. President Trump’s decisive action finally levels the playing field and stops foreign companies from exploiting hardworking Americans.

Trump Ends “De Minimis” Loophole – Cheap Goods No Longer Tax-Free

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations agency overseeing global mail services, revealed that shipments to the U.S. have plunged since August 29, when Trump’s rule went into effect.

Under the old “de minimis” rule, packages valued under $800 were exempt from duties and tariffs. This allowed foreign retailers like Shein and Temu to send millions of low-cost products directly to American consumers without paying a penny in taxes, while U.S.-based companies were forced to follow strict tax rules.

Trump’s move closed this loophole, ensuring foreign sellers now pay their fair share.

“For years, foreign companies had an unfair advantage, and American businesses were left struggling to compete,” one trade expert noted. “This change puts America first.”

Global Chaos: Foreign Shippers Struggle to Adjust

The UPU said the drastic drop in mail volume was caused by foreign postal systems and airlines refusing to handle the new duties. Many simply stopped shipping packages to the U.S. altogether.

• 88 foreign postal operators have suspended or restricted services to America.
• Air carriers refused responsibility for collecting tariffs.
• Retailers were caught off guard, scrambling to change their shipping processes.

To fix the disruption, the UPU announced it will launch a digital fee calculator on September 5, allowing foreign companies to calculate and pay the correct tariffs upfront. This solution will eventually cover 176 countries, gradually restoring global shipping traffic to the U.S.

Trump Had Already Targeted China

Even before this sweeping change, President Trump ended the loophole specifically for China, forcing giant retailers like Shein and Temu to raise prices and rethink their business models.

These companies, notorious for flooding the U.S. with ultra-cheap products, relied heavily on this tax-free rule — a practice that harmed U.S. manufacturers and cost the government billions in lost revenue.

Why This Matters to America

This is more than just a shipping issue — it’s about protecting U.S. jobs and rebuilding America’s economy.

By ending the de minimis loophole:

• American workers win as foreign companies are forced to compete fairly.
• Small businesses thrive without being crushed by cheap imports.
• U.S. taxpayers benefit as billions in lost revenue are recovered.
• National security strengthens by reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.

“President Trump’s leadership has once again put America first, standing up for our workers and ensuring our economy remains strong,” said one economic policy analyst.

The Bottom Line

President Trump’s bold decision to shut down this decades-old loophole may have caused temporary global shipping chaos, but it is a long-term victory for American workers, businesses, and taxpayers.

As the rest of the world scrambles to adjust, one thing is clear: America will no longer be exploited by foreign companies looking for a free ride.