Australia Post Suspend Postal Goods to the United States

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to update members on significant changes impacting exporters and e-commerce providers.
Australia Post today has announced a temporary partial suspension of postal sending of goods (primarily parcels) to the United States (US) and Puerto Rico, effective immediately.

This action has been taken in response to recent announcements by the US Government that the long-standing 'de minimis' exemption (previously allowing goods under USD $800 to enter duty-free) will be suspended and new tariff pre-payment requirements introduced.

FTA/APSA Director Paul Zalai yesterday, prior to the announcement, engaged directly with Australia Post's Executive General Manager Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services, Gary Starr, who expressed concern about the impact of these impending US measures on Australian exporters and e-commerce businesses.
 

Key Points from the Australia Post Media Release

  • De Minimis exemption suspended: The US has suspended the exemption for inbound goods valued below USD $800, requiring pre-payment of tariffs before arrival.

  • Postal sending suspended: Applies to Business Contract, MyPost Business and Retail customers. Gifts under USD $100, letters and documents remain unaffected.

  • Global action: This aligns with steps taken by numerous other postal operators worldwide.

  • Next steps: Australia Post is working with Zonos, an authorised US CBP third-party provider, to create a solution enabling services to resume. Business customers will be contacted directly with guidance.

  • Customer updates: Information will be updated via the Australia Post website or 13 POST (13 7678).

What this means for members

  • Exporters using postal channels will face immediate disruptions to US-bound shipments.

  • Businesses need to prepare for up-front tariff obligations on goods previously exempt.

Read the full Australia Post media release HERE.

Resources
FTA/APSA will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide further updates as Australia Post finalises arrangements with its US partners. In the meantime, members relying on postal channels for exports to the US are encouraged to review their supply chain arrangements and stay alert to updated communications from Australia Post. 
 
Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA

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