Postal traffic to US drops more than 80% after trade exemption rule ends, UN agency says
Postal traffic to the U.S. has fallen significantly after the Trump administration suspended a trade exemption rule in late August, according to a global postal union.
The U.N.’s Universal Postal Union (UPU) said the global postal network saw postal traffic enroute to the U.S. “come to a near halt” after Aug. 29, 2025, when the “de minimis” trade exemption that allowed small packages worth less than $800 to be exempt from tariffs ended. Data between postal operators shows that traffic dropped 81% on Aug. 29 compared to a week earlier, the union said. The UPU also said it is working on ways to get traffic flowing back to the country.
“The UPU has in its mission the responsibility to guarantee the free circulation of postal items over a single postal territory. We’re working to uphold that responsibility with the rapid development of a new technical solution that will help get mail moving to the United States again,” UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki said in a statement.
NPR reached out to the White House for comment on Sunday but has not received a response.
On July 30 this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would suspend the de minimis rule for all U.S. imports, with all products coming into the U.S. being tacked with duties and tariffs according to their country of origin. The Trump administration has defended the move as a way to crack down on criminal activity, such as counterfeit products and fentanyl, from entering the country, as well as helping to lower the trade deficit.
“For too long, this loophole handed criminal networks a free pass to flood America with fentanyl, fake goods, and illegal shipments. Those days are over. We are securing the border, restoring fairness to trade, and protecting American families,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a statement late last month.
At least 88 postal operators have suspended some or all services to the United States until there is a solution, the union said.
Nepal lifts social media ban following protests where police killed 19 people
Nepal's government lifted its ban on social media platforms Tuesday a day after police killed opened fire on mass street protests against the ban, killing 19 people.
Rick Davies, singer and co-founder of Supertramp, has died
The British musician co-founded the rock band Supertramp, which spurred hits like "Give A Little Bit" and "The Logical Song" in the 1970s.
Rupert Murdoch buys out 3 of his kids, cementing his conservative media empire
The owner of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and dozens of other media properties has settled a legal fight with three of his own children over who would control his companies after his death.
Estate of Jeffrey Epstein gives Congress ‘birthday book’ allegedly signed by Trump
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said the book included a tawdry drawing and note that appeared to include President Trump's signature. Trump had previously denied its existence.
DHS launches immigration crackdowns in Chicago, Boston
These announcements by DHS are just the latest escalation of federal action in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. — all led by Democrats.
The school shooting industry is worth billions – and it keeps growing
The effort to keep schools safe from mass shooters has ballooned into a multibillion dollar industry. Companies are selling school districts assurance with high-tech products.
