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Postal traffic to US drops more than 80% due to trade exemption

Postal traffic to the U.S. has plummeted following the suspension of a trade exemption rule by the Trump administration.

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That’s according to the Universal Postal Union.

The global postal network experienced a drastic decline in mail enroute to the U.S. after the exemption for small packages under $800 ended on August 29, 2025.

Data shows an 81% drop in traffic on that day compared to the previous week.

READ: What to know about Trump’s shifting tariff deadline

The UPU is working on a technical solution to restore mail flow to the U.S., while the Trump administration defends the move as a measure to combat criminal activities and reduce the trade deficit.

As a result, 88 postal operators have suspended services to the U.S. until a resolution is reached.

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Laurel Lee

Laurel Lee

Laurel Lee is a reporter for WDBO and produces various Ask the Expert shows on the weekend.



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