Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
    • Editorial Guidelines
Logistics

Tariff turmoil triggers DHL suspension of some shipments

22 Apr 2025 - by Staff reporter
 Source: DHL
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

A suspension of certain shipments to the United States in response to a sharp regulatory shift in US customs requirements has been announced by express cargo freighter, DHL.

 The measure, effective from this Monday April 21, affects business-to-consumer (B2C) parcels destined for private individuals with a declared value above $800.

The change follows the US government's decision to lower the threshold for formal customs clearance from $2 500 to $800 – a move that has significantly increased the volume of parcels requiring detailed processing.

Air Cargo News reports that DHL said the sudden change had placed immense pressure on customs operations across the express delivery industry, leading to substantial delays.

In a statement, the company explained that it was working to rapidly expand its clearance capacity.

However, due to the scale and immediacy of the regulatory change, shipments exceeding the $800 threshold, regardless of their origin, were likely to face multi-day delays.

DHL emphasised that the suspension was necessary to uphold its service standards while managing the intensified customs workload.

The temporary halt applies exclusively to high-value shipments addressed to private individuals. Business-to-business deliveries and parcels valued below $800 sent from companies to individuals remain unaffected.

Looking ahead, further disruption may be on the horizon.

From May 2, the White House is set to eliminate the de minimis exemption for packages from China and Hong Kong, which currently allows items under $800 to enter the US duty-free and with minimal inspection.

Although similar measures were postponed in February due to inadequate customs infrastructure, the US government now appears determined to proceed.

The implications for the global e-commerce sector, especially air cargo, remain uncertain. While some analysts expect a significant downturn in shipment volumes, others argue that the low cost of many goods from Asia may cushion the blow.

Delays in processing and higher delivery costs could nonetheless diminish the appeal of online shopping from these regions. In anticipation, many Chinese e-commerce firms are reportedly exploring alternative routes, such as building US-based warehouses, increasing ocean freight usage, or routing shipments through Canada and Mexico.

Meanwhile, the broader trade environment continues to unsettle small importers in the US. A recent update from logistics platform Freightos described the latest series of tariff announcements – including reciprocal levies and policy reversals – as a source of widespread confusion and anxiety among businesses.

According to survey data collected shortly before a 90-day freeze on certain tariffs, small importers rated their concern at an average of 8.9 out of 10, with over 60% selecting the highest level of alarm. More than half expressed uncertainty over the US administration’s future tariff strategy, and one-third of respondents reported halting shipments altogether. Others have begun seeking new sourcing regions or delaying decisions until further clarity emerges.

Freight volumes appear to be adjusting in real time. Container rates from China to Long Beach have reportedly dropped 16% since reciprocal tariffs were enacted on April 9, while prices from markets like Taiwan and Vietnam remain elevated – a sign that importers are already diversifying their supply chains.

Despite a brief reprieve offered by the tariff freeze and electronics exemptions, the trade outlook remains volatile. New proposals under consideration – such as port call fees for Chinese vessels – are expected to be reviewed but could resurface as part of a broader Maritime Action Plan.

For now, US importers face the challenge of navigating shifting trade rules, disrupted supply chains, and growing cost pressures. As one business told Freightos, while some shipments had been expedited ahead of key deadlines, operations must continue, even amid the mounting uncertainty. – SOURCE: STAT Media Group.

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.
Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.

Shippers warned to monitor cargo closely during Untu strike

Logistics

Logistics company advises shippers to communicate concerns about urgent or time-sensitive cargo.

Yesterday
0 Comments

GNU targets livestock auctions after China bans SA beef

Imports and Exports
Yesterday
0 Comments

New tariff protection for South African wheat hits a snag

Imports and Exports

Itac request for comment for stronger tariff protection for locally produced wheat only protects brown flour.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Creecy outlines logistics sector reforms

Logistics

The government is continuing to collaborate with original equipment manufacturers to ensure that spare parts for essential machinery can be sourced.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Suez Canal offers toll reductions for large containerships

Logistics

“We are monitoring developments moment by moment and assessing the changing dynamics.” – Maersk.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Oil spill response in Red Sea under the spotlight

Sea Freight

Workshop focuses on equipping officials and responders with the skills and knowledge to manage and mitigate major marine pollution incidents.

Yesterday
0 Comments

President Ramaphosa to meet Trump in US

Economy

The engagement will focus on a range of bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Belgium port strike on the cards

Imports and Exports

Port operator PSA Antwerp will suspend truck export deliveries ahead of the strike.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Soy, maize imports surge due to regional drought

Imports and Exports

Dry conditions across the subcontinent forced South Africa to import white maize for the first time since the 2016-17 drought.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Famers need beyond-banking assistance – futures specialist

Imports and Exports

Agricultural assistance also extends to analysing the South African Futures Exchange.

15 May 2025
0 Comments

SA a top target for cyber attacks

Technology

Increasing dependence on technology to deliver services means security risks are rising.

15 May 2025
0 Comments

Carbon capture solution cuts emissions by up to 70%

Sea Freight

The high technology system captures emissions from all exhaust gas sources.

15 May 2025
0 Comments
  • More

FeatureClick to view

The Cape 16 May 2025

Border Beat

The N4 Maputo Corridor crossing – congestion, crime and potholes
12 May 2025
Fuel-crime curbing causes tanker build-up at Moz border
08 May 2025
Border police turn the tide on illegal crossings
29 Apr 2025
More

Featured Jobs

New

Seafreight Export Controller

Tiger Recruitment
Cape Town
15 May

Import Manager (NVOCC)

Switch Recruit
Eastrand
15 May
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us