In an effort to navigate changing international trade dynamics , Correos has announced the suspension of package admissions destined for the USA and Puerto Rico starting August 25. This decision particularly affects packages with a commercial value of $800 or less, which previously benefited from the ‘de minimis’ regime exemption.
The recent change is a direct response to new customs regulations set forth by the United States, which terminate the exemption from tariff payments that had been available for low-value incoming shipments. According to Correos’ statement, the deadline for admitting this type of shipment will be until Sunday, August 24 at 11:59 PM .
For future shipments directed to U.S. territories or Puerto Rico, effective August 29 , all merchandise will be subject to tariffs . The specific amount will vary depending on the country of origin and the value of the product shipped. This new regulation has already forced Correos, along with other postal operators like DHL , to significantly alter their operational processes and impose stricter shipping controls to comply with the new requirements.
The impact of this shift is expected to be significant on both international postal logistics and overall e-commerce flows . However, Correos has reassured that there will be no changes to the sending of letters, documents without commercial value, books, and gifts valued at $100 or less, which will continue without modification.
This announcement follows a handshake agreement reached on July 27 between the president of the European Commission and U.S. President Donald Trump , which, for the time being, has managed to stave off a potential commercial war between the United States and the European Union. Under this agreement, the U.S. will impose a 15% tariff on numerous European imports, while Brussels has pledged to increase imports of American energy and military goods.
Despite the establishment of that initial agreement, numerous uncertainties remain regarding the implications for specific sectors, including semiconductors and *medicines*, both currently exempt from tariffs. The future status of these categories hinges on the outcomes of a national security review ordered by Trump.
Teams from both sides have been working on establishing “zero by zero” tariffs on a range of strategic products , which include all planes and their components, certain chemicals, specific agricultural items, and essential natural resources. Additionally, the EU attempted to negotiate exemptions for wines and liquors , but these products will ultimately be affected by the 15% tariff in the U.S. market.
One notable concession achieved by the EU was reducing tariffs on European cars from 25% to 15% , contingent upon the approval of a regulation to eliminate all tariffs on American industrial products, as well as specific fishing and agricultural goods. In light of this agreement, Brussels has committed to swift implementation.