Ukraine raises parcel prices to the U.S. after Trump imposes duties

The largest postal operators in Ukraine, Ukrposhta and Nova Poshta, have raised the cost of shipping parcels to the United States due to duties imposed by President Donald Trump.

Starting August 29, 2025, the U.S. Presidential Decree eliminates the preferential duty-free threshold of $800 (the so-called "de minimis"). Almost all commercial shipments to the U.S. will now be subject to customs duties, except for documents and gifts valued under $100.

Under the new regulations, all international shipments entering the United States will be subject to customs duties and taxes, regardless of their value. The duty rate for goods originating in Ukraine is set at 10%.

Because of the complexities of the new customs procedures, most European carriers have halted deliveries or are accepting only documents or gifts.

Ukrainian companies will continue to deliver parcels, but with some changes.

Ukrposhta has hired qualified agents to handle customs payments. To cover the cost of these services, shipping rates to the U.S. will increase by an average of $1.50–$3, depending on the category and weight of the shipment.

"This is where the negative news ends and the positive news begins," Ukrposhta CEO Ihor Smelyansky wrote on Facebook.

According to him, Ukraine could gain a competitive advantage because European suppliers are temporarily unable to send goods by mail, and Ukrainian customs duties are the lowest in Europe (EU countries: 15%, Moldova: 25%, Switzerland: 39%).

Ukrposhta will not charge additional brokerage fees.

"The agreement we have reached gives Ukrainian entrepreneurs a competitive edge. But it will only work if everyone follows the rules. Therefore, we ask you not to play the ‘lottery’ by marking commercial shipments as ‘gifts,’ because U.S. controls will now be stricter. Ukrposhta will also increase oversight at border offices to prevent accusations of re-exporting goods from countries with higher customs rates," Smelyansky added.

As for Nova Poshta, starting August 26, shipping costs to the U.S. will include either 10% of the parcel’s value (if the sender pays) or 10% of the parcel’s value plus $25 for customs brokerage services (if the recipient pays).

Due to varying duty rates depending on the country of origin, it is important to correctly indicate the origin of the goods.

U.S. Customs authorities are tightening control over all imported goods. They will verify the accuracy of product descriptions and declared country of origin, ensure compliance with the stated export purpose, and confirm the declared market value of goods.

In cases of inaccuracies or discrepancies, shipments may be delayed and additional fees may apply.