PHLPost suspends US mail, parcel services over new customs rules

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has suspended all mail and parcel services to the United States, effective August 28, 2025, due to new US customs rules.

This suspension applies to postal items accepted by PHLPost starting August 22, 2025, and is in effect until further notice.

The US ended its de minimis exemption, meaning packages valued at $800 or less sent to the US outside the international postal network are now subject to applicable duties, a policy that took effect last week.

US President Donald Trump described the de minimis exemption as a loophole exploited for tariff evasion and drug trafficking.

PHLPost cited the new customs requirements and the end of the exemption as reasons for the suspension, aiming to prevent service delays and customer inconvenience while they align with the new rules.

Customers who sent items affected by this suspension can request retrieval and a refund based on existing PHLPost guidelines.

Postal shippers are being given six months to apply a flat duty per package.