URGENT UPDATE: Australia Post has confirmed that parcel services to the United States will resume in just two weeks following a surprise tariff announcement that halted deliveries. The national mail service states that deliveries will be available “on or before” September 25, impacting business customers who rely on cost-efficient shipping.
Earlier today, Australia Post temporarily suspended mail services to the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and US Virgin Islands due to sudden changes in customs and import tariff rules. The suspension required Business Contract, MyPost Business, and Retail customers to pre-pay tariffs, complicating the shipping process.
However, gifts valued under US$100 remain exempt from these tariffs, allowing some level of continued service. Gary Starr, general manager of parcel, post, and eCommerce services at Australia Post, stated, “We’ve been caught in a fast-moving situation not of our making.” The impact on businesses exporting goods to the US has been significant, prompting Australia Post to work “around the clock” to find a solution.
To facilitate the resumption of services, Australia Post has collaborated with Zonos, an authorized US Customs and Border Protection and Universal Postal Union third-party provider. Zonos will handle tariff calculations and collections from senders, and customers are encouraged to create accounts with the platform to ease the shipping process.
As businesses prepare for the relaunch, regional entrepreneurs express concern over the fees associated with Zonos. One entrepreneur noted that she is awaiting clarification regarding these charges before restarting her online business.
Australia Post is also developing a separate solution to enable parcel shipments to the US via its Post Office network. Mr. Starr emphasized that the goal is to lift the temporary suspension as soon as possible, with a commitment to keeping customers informed throughout the process.
As the September 25 deadline approaches, businesses are urged to stay updated and plan accordingly. This developing situation underscores the importance of communication and adaptability in the face of unexpected regulatory changes.
Stay tuned for further updates as Australia Post works to ensure that mail services to the United States resume smoothly.
