New U.S. tariffs on low-value imports have triggered an 81% plunge in global postal traffic to America, according to the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The policy, effective August 29, scraps duty-free treatment for parcels under $800—a move that’s left small businesses and cross-border e-commerce reeling.
🌐 Why It Matters
Over 88 postal operators worldwide—including those in Australia, the UK, and Germany—have partially or fully halted services to the U.S. UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki called it a 'disruption' to the global postal network, with teams scrambling for a 'technical solution' to revive mail flows.
💼 Small Biz Hit Hardest
Industry experts say micro-enterprises relying on platforms like AliExpress or Etsy face shipping chaos. 'This isn’t just about packages—it’s about livelihoods,' one insider noted. With holiday shopping around the corner, the stakes are high for global trade.
