Global Trade Shakeup: US Ends Small Package Tariff Exemption as Court Challenges Mount

Small businesses worldwide are scrambling to adapt to the new US tariff regulations on package deliveries. Postal carriers in at least 25 countries have been forced to pause shipments to the United States as they revamp their systems to accommodate the new duties. The change particularly affects small enterprises, from Japanese sticker shops to New Zealand beret sellers, who must now navigate more complex customs procedures ^[2].

The broader tariff landscape faces legal uncertainty as a federal appeals court recently ruled against sweeping tariff plans, declaring them illegal. However, these tariffs are expected to remain in place pending further legal proceedings ^[3]. The ruling particularly affects the 25% reciprocal tariffs imposed on various countries, including India, which now faces potential 50% levies ^[4].

In response to these trade pressures, countries are seeking new economic alignments. India's leadership is actively pursuing closer ties with major economies, as evidenced by recent diplomatic initiatives ^[5]. The impact of these tariff changes is already visible in specific markets, such as the luxury watch sector, where consumers rushed to purchase Swiss timepieces before new 39% tariffs took effect ^[6].

1. De minimis: How US shoppers will be hit as the tariff exemption ends
2. Small businesses worldwide — from sticker shops in Japan to beret sellers in New Zealand — are scrambling after Trump's tariff rule on small packages
3. Trump's global tariffs are illegal, federal court rules. Here's why they'll remain in place.
4. Legal challenges cloud Trump’s tariff powers as India faces 50% levy
5. Reeling from Trump's tariffs, India and China seek a business reboot
6. Pre-owned Rolex shoppers added these 4 watches to their carts ahead of new tariffs on Swiss imports