Global delivery networks have been plunged into chaos by new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Australia Post has joined other international agencies making the decision to suspend most postal services to the United States. The move comes as Washington prepares to apply a new tax on low value imports.
00:00Emma Jean Jensen sells patterns to American quilt enthusiasts and now she is losing that business.
00:08It's been really tough. I wouldn't want to go more than a month without those orders.
00:14Australia Post has told business customers like Emma that it's halting most shipments there immediately as a crucial tax deadline looms.
00:23The information has not been incredibly clear on what is going to be happening with the tariffs into the US.
00:30Until now, goods that are worth less than US$800 weren't being taxed when they arrived in the States.
00:36This so-called de minimis exemption is being axed on August 29.
00:41The goods are now going to get the tariff associated with their country of origin or a flat fee of more than US$80.
00:50Australia Post is still figuring out how to collect these duties saying,
00:55We are disappointed we have had to take this action.
00:58However, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary.
01:06Australia Post is still sending letters and documents to the US as well as gifts that are worth less than $150.
01:15It hasn't said when it's resuming shipping of these higher value packages, but it's not the only postal service in chaos with many globally suspending shipping to America.
01:26We're starting to hear that airline carriers do not want to take mail.
01:31They don't want to be held potentially liable.
01:34It needs to be collected at the border crossing, otherwise it can't cross and it'll be held.
01:39Emma can't afford to ship with private companies and she hopes that Australia Post will be offering US services soon.
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