Gerald Storch, CEO of Storch Advisors, mentioned that Walmart is effectively outperforming, highlighting Target’s struggles with messy stores and leadership issues on “Varney & Co.”
Postal services in Europe and beyond are set to stop shipping goods to the US due to the termination of the Trump administration’s de minimis tariff exemption.
This exemption made it possible for international carriers to send items valued under $800 to the US without incurring duties.
The White House recently announced its end, citing concerns over fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
“DHL, the largest shipping service in Europe, stated that ‘German Post and DHL Parcels Germany will no longer accept and transport parcels and postal items, including those from businesses, to the US,'” the company detailed in a recent statement.
The exemption will officially come to an end on August 29.
DHL described the shipping restrictions as temporary, stating they are part of a “new process required by US authorities that differs from previous regulations.”
Unresolved questions remain, particularly about future tariff collection, required data, and the transmission of that data to US customs and border security.
Countries like Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria, France, and Belgium have also reported plans to suspend shipments to the US.
The BBC noted a similar pause from the UK’s Royal Mail.
Beyond Europe, countries in Asia like Singapore and Thailand are also holding off on cargo shipments until the new regulations are better defined.
The Thai Post commented, “This suspension highlights the major confusion triggered by President Trump’s decision to end the minimum thresholds that previously allowed low-value parcels to enter the US tariff-free. This exemption, which was capped at $800 per person per day, facilitated the smooth entry of numerous small packages into the US.”
Australia’s postal service has indicated it will temporarily stop transporting some packages headed to the US.
“We’ve been collaborating with US authorities and international partners to adapt our services to meet the new US requirements,” said the Royal Mail.
The US had already ended the de minimis exemption for China in May.
The White House had explained that many shippers in China were exploiting this exemption to conceal illegal items like synthetic opioids in low-value shipments.
Transportation to the US reportedly surged between 2022 and 2024, according to the Financial Times.
It also benefited China-based fast fashion brands like Temu and Shein, allowing direct shipping to customers.
