Uncertainty on mail via US Postal Service to the islands
Palau, Australia, Japan and India are just a few of the countries suspending some parcel shipments to the United States due to potential tariffs.
And it’s not just national governments but mail companies like DHL offices in foreign countries that have announced suspensions following the U.S. Executive Order “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries.”
U.S. Congress passed the de minimis exemption in 1938, allowing low-value imported goods to enter a country duty-free and with minimal customs paperwork, originally to streamline customs operations for small shipments. It has since evolved into a major tool of e-commerce, enabling low-cost, direct-to-consumer shipping, though it has also faced criticism for facilitating illicit goods and hurting domestic industries. In a major policy shift, President Donald Trump ended the exemption for all countries. Officials said the exemption had become a “loophole” that has been “long exploited by criminals to move fentanyl, counterfeit goods, and unvetted imports into the United States without duties.”
“CBP is ready to enforce,” said Rodney Scott, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “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.”
Australian officials said the government-owned Australia Post has temporarily suspended some postal services to the United States and its overseas territories, including Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S Minor Outlying Islands.
"We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers," Australia Post said in a statement.
Palau is among the countries affected according to its postal service.
Palau Post Office
“Per USPS instructions, parcels that are destined for, or transiting the state of Hawaii will not be accepted, effectively immediately,” the Palau Postal Service said on Sept. 2.
“This includes parcels destined for the continental USA, Alaska and most international destinations, until further notice,” the PPS said.
Parcels to Guam remain unaffected, according to the PPS. “This includes the FAS, CNMI, Japan, Philippines and all U.S. military addresses.”
All first-class mail service: letters and flats to all destinations will continue as usual, the PPS said.
Palau's Postmaster General Santy Asanuma said during a radio talk show on Sept. 3 that they're waiting for more information from the U.S. Postal Service.
The Office of the NMI’s delegate to Congress, Kimberlyn King Hinds, reportedly said that mail to both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands will be affected.
Guam’s delegate to Congress, James C. Moylan has yet to weigh in on any resolution of the issue, but his office said on Aug. 31 that “all types of USPS mail are continuing to arrive on Guam from the mainland.” Additionally, Moylan’s office said, “Letters and flats (mail without goods) are still being sent from Guam to the mainland. Certain outgoing packages containing goods remain on hold while USPS and [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] finalize compliance procedures.”
International mail from more than 20 countries to the U.S. is on hold because postal services have suspended shipments following the end of the global import tax exemption for low-value parcels, which took effect on Aug. 29. This policy change has caused confusion and technical difficulties for foreign postal carriers, leading them to halt deliveries until they can adapt to any new tariffs and procedures required by U.S. Customs.
According to a U.S. Customs fact sheet, imported goods from all countries that are valued at or below $800 will no longer be eligible for de minimis treatment and will be subject to all applicable duties, taxes, and fees, effective Aug. 29.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shipments skyrocketed from 134 million in 2015 to 1.36 billion in 2024 — more than 4 million packages every day.
In FY 2024 alone, de minimis shipments accounted for:
98% of narcotics seizures by case count
97% of counterfeit goods seizures — totaling over 31 million fake items
77% of health and safety seizures, including weapons parts and fentanyl precursors
Investigators found fentanyl in international mail averaging over 90% purity, compared to less than 10% at the land border, according to CBP officials.
Officials further said overseas mail will be sent from overseas “now through secure and lawful channels.” Personal letters, bona fide gifts under $100, and personal travel items under $200 remain unaffected under long-standing exemptions.
Neither the U.S. Postal Service nor CBP has said how long new procedures will take to be formalized and implemented. mbj
Steven Youngblood, journalism program coordinator at the East-West Center in Honolulu speaks to journalists, Government of Guam PIOs, PR professionals and U.S. military public affairs professionals on Aug. 26 at one of several training sessions held at the Wyndham Garden Guam.
The island’s veterinary sector is small but vital. About eight clinics serve Guam’s pet population, a market that continues to grow alongside increasing pet ownership and changes in cultural perceptions.
These days, not everyone cooks for christenings, weddings, funerals, holiday parties, or other gatherings, whether hosted at home or in community venues. Many turn to caterers, restaurants, or hotels for prepared meats, baked goods, and complete buffet spreads.
