New Zealand postal service suspends deliveries to US over tariff confusion

New Zealand’s postal service has suspended most deliveries to the United States, citing uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariffs.

NZ Post said the suspension began on August 21, ahead of the 15 percent tariff that takes effect on August 29. Only limited items such as letters, passports, and legal documents will continue to be delivered.

The decision follows similar moves by postal services in India, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, and Denmark after Washington announced it would scrap tax exemptions on small packages from August 29.

Although the US began imposing tariffs in April, many are only taking effect this month after delays and negotiations.

NZ Post said it was working to adjust services and hoped to resume normal deliveries soon.

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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Radio New Zealand that confusion persists over how the tariffs will work. “They can’t guarantee the costs or rates, so postal services are holding back until there’s clarity,” he said.

India also suspends postal services to US

Earlier, India also announced a similar step. The Department of Posts said on Saturday it will suspend all postal services to the United States from August 25, citing new US customs rules that take effect later this month.

The move stems from a July 30 executive order by Trump’s administration that withdrew the duty-free exemption on goods valued up to $800.