A recent report from the Universal Postal Union, a United Nations body coordinating global postal policies, revealed a significant decline in the volume of small international parcels entering the U.S. and the EU following the end of tariff exemptions for such shipments [1]. Specifically, shipments dropped by 70% by weight after the 'de minimis' rule was discontinued, according to the UN report released on Friday [1].
The report emphasized that the termination of tariff exemptions had a pronounced effect on parcels linked to Chinese e-commerce giants Temu and Shein, which had previously leveraged the 'de minimis' rule to send low-value shipments to the U.S. market without incurring tariffs [1]. The sharp reduction in parcel volume signals a major shift in cross-border e-commerce logistics and trade flows [1].
Analysts cited in the report noted that this reduction in low-value parcel shipments could impact both consumer access to affordable products and the business models of global e-commerce platforms targeting U.S. consumers [1]. In response to these changes, the Universal Postal Union is developing a platform aimed at expediting decision-making within the sector [1].
CONCLUSION
The end of tariff exemptions for small parcels has led to a dramatic 70% drop in shipments to the U.S. and EU, particularly affecting Chinese e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein. This policy shift is expected to reshape cross-border e-commerce logistics and may challenge the accessibility of affordable goods for consumers.