Hong Kong e-commerce, US consumers expected to take the hit from DHL service suspension

DHL has suspended US-bound business-to-consumer shipments worth more than US$800 because of Trump tariffs

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DHL has suspended US-bound business-to-consumer shipments worth more than US$800 “until further notice” because of tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. Photo: Dickson LEE

Published: 12:00pm, 21 Apr 2025Updated: 7:38pm, 21 Apr 2025

Hong Kong e-commerce businesses and American consumers are expected to bear the brunt of DHL Express’ temporary suspension of business-to-consumer shipments worth more than US$800 to individuals in the US, industry representatives have predicted.

But they expected the pause would be temporary as US customs worked to clear a backlog of packages after the Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on Chinese goods.

The global courier said on Saturday the suspension would remain in place “until further notice” and cited US President Donald Trump’s decision to end the “de minimis” tariff exemption for Chinese products worth US$800 or less, starting on May 2.

The tariff on small parcels sent to the US from China will be further raised to 120 per cent from 90 per cent.

Commerce sector lawmaker Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung told the Post he believed e-commerce businesses would be hit hardest by the halt as they mostly shipped directly to customers, while American consumers would need to bear higher prices for imported goods.

“For example, those starting university and looking to shop online for back-to-school items will be affected and have to find alternative platforms,” he said. “This also affects Americans in Hong Kong who want to make purchases to send back home.”

Lam said he believed the temporary suspension was imposed because DHL was waiting for a backlog of packages to clear US customs.