Exporters must adopt more agile logistics strategies in response to the recent removal of de minimis exemptions for US-bound shipments, according to David Taylor, Global Operations Director at Mark 3 International.

Several major European postal services, including La Poste, Deutsche Post, DHL, Correos, Poste Italiane, and the Danish, Swedish and Belgian operators, have already imposed restrictions or surcharges following the policy change. The result has been rising costs, delivery delays, and significant uncertainty - particularly damaging as retailers approach the peak shopping season.

The Royal Mail and Österreichische Post went as far as to temporarily stop accepting new packages in late August, in order to clear the backlog caused by the rule change.

Taylor said the situation highlights a structural issue: “Large logistics companies and national postal services are not built for rapid change. Their systems depend on stability, but global trade conditions are anything but stable. Exporters now need partners who can adapt overnight.”

He argued that smaller, specialised ecommerce logistics providers, supported by AI-powered tools, are better positioned to manage compliance and keep goods flowing. Mark 3 International itself has partnered with New York-based Dobby AI to develop an “AI operations agent” that consolidates shipment data and improves reliability.

The impact is significant given the scale: in 2024, 1.4 billion de minimis packages entered the US, 90% of all imports, with China dominating via platforms like Temu and Shein. For the UK, the stakes are high. The US is Britain’s largest trading partner, accounting for £60.4 billion of exports in 2023.

Taylor concluded: “De minimis changes won’t be the last. Exporters must be confident their logistics partners can adapt quickly, or risk higher costs, slower delivery, and unhappy customers.”