UPDATE: U.S. consumers are facing an urgent crisis as recent tariffs complicate international shipping, leaving many packages in limbo. The chaos at UPS has heightened frustrations, with customers reporting unexpected fees and shipment delays.
Rich DeThomas of Huntsville, Alabama, ordered a dozen bottles of wine from Italy in late August, only to find his shipment stuck due to new tariff regulations. After UPS requested extra information, the company declared it could not deliver the wine at all. “It’s the headache of dealing with it all,” said DeThomas, who was later hit with a $13 abandonment fee.
This turmoil follows the Trump Administration’s April 2023 announcement of sweeping tariffs on imports. The recent end of the de minimis loophole in August, which previously exempted shipments under $800, is now forcing consumers to act as amateur customs brokers to ensure their orders make it through.
UPS has confirmed widespread delays, with reports of packages sitting at their facilities for days or even weeks. Some customers have received notices indicating their shipments would be disposed of due to customs complications. “Personal wine imports ORDERED ONLINE are NOT permitted,” a UPS customs broker stated in an email to DeThomas.
Katie Golden, who runs a resale business on Depop, experienced a shocking situation when her shipment of used apparel from the UK, valued at $179, was billed a staggering $769 in tariffs and fees. “It shouldn’t be this hard to order a package,” she lamented.
Many UPS customers are contesting their tariff bills, with some facing exorbitant rates—such as a 200% tariff on Russian aluminum—even when their shipments contained no such materials. “If customers are confused, it’s going to affect their brand,” warned Tom Strohl, president of consulting firm Oliver Wight Americas.
As the holiday shipping season approaches, businesses are bracing for further chaos. Kunal Sharma, who owns two Canadian businesses selling luxury car parts, has already seen UPS lose or return shipments due to the new tariff regulations. “I can’t even imagine how bad it’ll get on Black Friday,” he expressed.
The fallout from these tariffs is not just financial; it’s also creating emotional stress for consumers. George Hayes from North Carolina imports goods from Japan, but he now hesitates to place new orders. “I paid about $700 in tariffs on my last shipment,” he revealed. “I wish we could have that system back.”
With inflation fears rising and economic impacts looming, the tariff situation remains critical for U.S. consumers. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has indicated that tariffs are complicating monetary policy, preventing the central bank from cutting interest rates.
Stay tuned for further developments as consumers navigate this ongoing crisis. If you have a story to share about UPS or the impact of tariffs, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 808-854-4501.
