Mexico's Federal Postal Service (Correos de México) has announced a temporary suspension of mail and parcels sent to the United States, effective August 29, 2025. This measure is associated with the abolition of the American benefit «de minimis» — exemption from customs duties on goods priced up to 800 US dollars — and will remain in effect until new operational steps are developed and implemented.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the suspension is dictated by the need to adapt to changed conditions: the system has to change the processes of customs registration, duty collection and data exchange on the American side. The country has joined the list of other states — Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand, a total of 25 — which have already introduced similar measures. Negotiations are underway with US authorities and international postal organizations to resume shipments as soon as possible.
The suspension of sending parcels from Mexico to the United States, associated with the abolition of the de minimis regime, applies to all categories of shipments, and not just business or commercial ones. However, Mexico Post continues to send to the USA:
- letters,
- documentation,
- books,
- I rate personal gifts up to 100 USD.
In the latter case, the decision to send is made on an individual basis.
Mode «de minimis» allowed goods worth up to 800 USD to be imported into the United States without paying duties, which greatly simplified international trade, especially online. However, as of August 29, the corresponding order of the US President cancels this exception. Now all goods, regardless of value, are subject to tax — either at a rate or through a flat duty, provided there is no classification. Questions regarding the collection of these duties and interaction with the US Customs Administration (CBP) remain unresolved.
Because the USMCA (ex-NAFTA) trade agreement is in effect between the United States and Mexico, goods of Mexican origin (manufactured in Mexico and meeting rules of origin) remain at zero tariffs. But this only works if the shipment is accompanied by proof of origin (certificate, invoice marked with USMCA compliance). If the item is not made in Mexico (say, Chinese goods bought in Mexico and shipped to the US), it is subject to the new US ad valorem tariffs: basic — 10%, but can go up to 25-40% for «sensitive» categories (electronics, textiles, metal). During the transition period (from August 2025), there is a fixed fee of $80-$200 USD per parcel if origin is not declared under USMCA, however, Mexico Post has decided not to apply these tariffs for now, but simply to suspend sending. Large couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) immediately charge duties at the rates of American tariffs HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) + fees.
In addition, global logistics operators have already responded to the new situation. DHL (including Deutsche Post) has suspended accepting parcels from business customers destined for the US through its postal network. However, DHL Express express delivery is supported — it remains affordable despite the new tariff requirements. FedEx is also adjusting its operations — It is expected that companies will begin to impose duties or apply other tariff schemes, given the lack of de minimis benefits.
Mexican Post operates within the framework of already accepted world practice — European and Asian states have introduced similar measures. Private operators are adapting faster, maintaining delivery options through express networks, but the cost of services will increase and system load will increase.