The United States has eliminated tariff exemptions on small international packages, requiring recipients to pay a 15% import tax on items valued over $100 (€85) as of today.
The policy change significantly reduces the previous exemption threshold from $800 (€685) to $100, affecting millions of small shipments entering the US. The Trump administration justified the move by claiming low-value shipments were being used to evade tariffs and facilitate drug smuggling.
The impact has been immediate and widespread, with approximately 25 countries suspending parcel services to the US earlier this week in response to the new regulations.
An Post confirmed it will continue operating parcel services to the US while seeking solutions to navigate the new requirements. The Irish postal service acknowledged the change “will disrupt some Irish trade into the US, and risks causing confusion, delay and inconvenience for sending and receiving customers.”
While many parcels from Ireland contain gifts valued under $100, the new system will require US recipients to pay duties locally before delivery completion. An Post stated it is “actively seeking a solution for Irish companies selling into the US through the postal service” rather than suspending services entirely like some European carriers.
The postal service is directly contacting Irish business customers who sell goods to the US and plans to advise all customers of new arrangements in coming days.
The policy represents a significant shift in US trade policy, potentially affecting e-commerce businesses, gift-sending between countries, and small-scale international trade. The move aligns with broader protectionist trade policies but creates new administrative burdens for both senders and recipients of international packages.
The long-term economic impact on Irish businesses relying on small-package exports to the US market remains to be seen as companies adapt to the new tariff structure.