New Zealand Post has suspended most parcel deliveries to the United States, citing uncertainty over the impact of new U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a statement, the postal service confirmed that as of August 21, it had halted shipments ahead of the 15 percent tariff on small packages that took effect on August 29.
Only limited categories of mail — including essential documents such as passports and legal papers — will continue to be delivered.
The move aligns with similar decisions by postal operators in India, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, and Denmark, after Washington announced the removal of a longstanding tax exemption on low-value imports.
NZ Post said it is “working quickly” to adapt its services and aims to resume normal operations “as soon as possible.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, speaking to Radio New Zealand on Monday, acknowledged widespread confusion over the tariff’s scope and impact.
“As these postal organisations have realised, they can’t guarantee what the tariff rate will be, what the final cost is, or how it will work in practice,” Luxon said. “I’m confident NZ Post, along with its global counterparts, will continue engaging with U.S. authorities to seek clarity.”
The U.S. began rolling out tariffs on foreign goods in April, but many provisions only came into effect in late August following months of delays and negotiations.
