Trump tariffs: 25 countries suspend postal services to US

GENEVA: A UN agency responsible for the postal sector said on Tuesday that 25 of its member states have suspended goods consignments to the United States amid uncertainty after President Donald Trump’s administration scrapped a customs tax rule that exempted small packages from duty.

The latest development shows how the tariff policy adopted by Trump is affecting global trade and services. It is feared that the White House can lead both the US and the world into recession in the given scenario.

On Monday, Trump told reporters that China has to give the United States [rare earth] magnets or “we have to charge them 200% [US] tariff or something” amid the ongoing trade war between the two nations.

Read more: Trump to China: Give magnets or face 200% tariffs

Meanwhile, Indian exporters are bracing for a sharp decline in US orders after trade talks collapsed and Washington confirmed steep new tariffs on the South Asian nation’s goods take effect from Wednesday, escalating tension between the strategic partners.

Read more: US tariffs to hit India from Wednesday, impacting $87bn exports

The Universal Postal Union, a Switzerland-based agency promoting cooperation between postal services of its 192 member countries, said it conveyed their concerns about disruption in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 25 August 2025.

It did not name the countries although Australia, Norway and Switzerland and others have already announced suspensions publicly.

The news comes after Trump’s administration said last month it would suspend the global “de minimis” exemption, which also allows minimal paperwork, for international shipments under $800, effective August 29.