Australia Post will suspend most parcel postage to the United States and Puerto Rico amid prohibitive customs and tariff rules brought by the Trump administration, with the suspension coming into effect today and lasting until further notice.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month imposing tariffs on imported items under $US800 ($1234 today).
The suspension, which Australia Post said was due to the “recent significant changes” made to US customs and import tariffs rules, will impact the network’s Business Contract, MyPost Business and retail customers who send goods through Australia Post, while letters, documents and gifts under $US100 will be unaffected by the change.
US President Donald Trump.Credit: AP
It comes days after several European countries, including the UK, France, Germany Italy and Spain announced a similar move.
Australia Post executive general manager, parcel, post & ecommerce services, Gary Starr said he was “disappointed” to have to take the action, but said it was necessary due to the “complex and rapidly evolving situation”.
“Like more than 190 other postal providers, we’ve been working at pace to find a solution,” Starr said.
“A temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers.
Australia Post is suspending parcel deliveries into the US.
“Australia Post continues to work with US and Australian authorities and international postal partners to resume postal service to the US as a priority.”
The White House has imposed the trade penalties as part of efforts to crackdown on the illegal importation of drugs into the United States, and other illegal and abusive practices regarding postal trade.
Australia Post is working with US CBP-authorised third-party provider, Zonos, a cross-border ecommerce software platform, to resume deliveries as soon as possible. Australia Post will communicate with Business Contact and My Post Business customers on next steps and how to prepare and are urged to visit Australia Post’s website for updates.
“Australia Post continues to work with US and Australian authorities and international postal partners to resume postal service to the US as a priority.”
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