Jamaica Post halts all parcels to US amid new US trade rules

Jamaica Post has suspended the acceptance of parcels and packets bound for the United States following sweeping changes in U.S. trade policy that eliminate duty-free exemptions on low-value imports.

- Advertisement -

“Jamaica Post wishes to advise that the last outbound flight to the United States of America (USA) for the dispatch of Parcels and Packets (letters containing merchandise) will depart on Thursday, August 28, 2025. As a result, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, will be the final day to post Parcels and Packets to the USA at all Jamaica Post locations until further notice,” they said in a statement.

The suspension took effect on Tuesday, August 26, after the state-owned postal service was notified of Executive Order (EO) 14324, issued by the U.S. Administration on July 30. The measure ends the long-standing de minimis rule, which had allowed packages valued under US$800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The order, which comes into force on Friday, August 29, applies globally and requires all international parcels to be processed under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) tariff system.

Under the new rules, international carriers or “qualified parties” must collect and remit customs duties on postal shipments. However, with procedures for designating such parties and setting up duty collection mechanisms still undefined, U.S.-bound air carriers have declined to accept mail consignments after August 25, citing a lack of operational readiness. Gift items up to US$100 remain exempt.

Jamaica Post confirmed that its last outbound dispatch of parcels and packets to the U.S. will depart on Thursday, August 28, with no resumption date set. Other postal services, including letters, remain unaffected.

The development comes as Jamaica’s Postal and Telecommunications Department grapples with mounting financial pressures. Mail volumes fell from 10.2 million pieces in 2023 to 8.5 million in 2024, while revenues declined by $237 million to $458 million. Rising costs pushed its deficit to $3.7 billion last year.

The new rules will not only affect the average resident in Jamaica but also business owners on the island who ship products to the U.S. market.

Jamaica Post said it is in discussions with international partners to address the disruption and will provide updates once a solution is identified.