Ever snapped a photo of a postcard from Paris or ordered a cute gadget from Tokyo, only to hit a shipping snag? You're not alone. Over the past few weeks, postal operators from Asia to Europe have begun pausing some mail deliveries to the US — all because of confusion over new import duties.
At the heart of the issue is a recent change in how packages are taxed at the border. Postal services say they're getting mixed messages about who foots the bill: senders, carriers, or recipients. So instead of risking unexpected fees or delays, many have chosen to hit the pause button until the rules get clearer.
What does this mean for lottery tickets from overseas, birthday cards, or must-have K-beauty products that US shoppers ordered? 📦 Delivery times are stretching, tracking updates are going dark, and some packages might be rerouted or returned to sender. Not exactly the surprise unboxing you had in mind.
Luckily, there are workarounds. For urgent parcels, consider switching to courier services that have sorted out the duty details. If you're just waiting on a handwritten letter or a small gift, patience might pay off — postal operators say they're working with customs to iron out the mess.
Bottom line? Global mail has hit a speed bump on the way to your mailbox, thanks to a tariff tangle that even the pros find tricky. Keep an eye on carrier updates, double-check import rules before you send or shop, and flex those inbox expectations for now. ✉️🤓
Reference(s):
Here's why so many countries are suspending postal shipments to the US
cgtn.com
