World News for Students of English

29-08-2025 07:00

Several European countries will suspend postal services to the United States after President Donald Trump removed a tax exemption on imported goods worth under 800 dollars, or 682 euros.

The US government says the decision is meant to stop illegal practices, such as drug trafficking, but European postal operators argue they received no time to adapt. While letters and small parcels under 85 euros are not affected, most merchandise shipments will stop. Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy have already suspended services, with France, Austria, and the UK set to follow.

Postal companies, including La Poste, Deutsche Post, and Correos, say the lack of clear technical details from the US makes it impossible to comply with the new rules. Spain described the halt as a preventive measure to avoid delivery problems.

The change will affect transatlantic e-commerce, especially small and medium-sized businesses that depend on exporting low-value products to the US. All commercial shipments will face tariffs starting August 29.

Difficult words: suspend (to stop for a period of time), exemption (a rule that lets you avoid a tax or law), merchandise (goods or products for sale).

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