US Tariffs on Goods from Japan

Latest Update (Feb 24, 2026):

Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court declared that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegal, leading to the cessation of those specific, high-rate (10%-50%) tariffs.

Immediate Replacement Tariffs: In response to the ruling, the administration has announced a new 10% to 15% global tariff on imports, using different legal authority (Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974). This means while the previous "emergency" rates are gone, a new baseline of tariffs will still apply to many shipments.

Continued De Minimis Suspension: The suspension of the $800 duty-free "de minimis" limit (which caused the massive backlog in postal, courier, and e-commerce shipments starting Aug 29, 2025) remains in effect. This means almost all incoming items, regardless of low value, are still required to undergo full customs clearance, which causes delays.

Logistical Challenges Persist: Even if some duties are lower, the new rules still require complex data transmission, advanced payment of duties, and compliance with strict, often unclear, customs requirements, which previously led many international postal services (e.g., Japan Post, Royal Mail) to halt or restrict service.

Will regular postal shipments resume? Postal operators are likely to resume services, but they may still be slowed by the administrative burden of the ongoing suspension of the $800 de minimis loophole. While the immediate chaos of 50% tariffs on small items may ease, the new 10-15% duties and mandatory filing requirements mean that shipping, particularly for small businesses and personal items, will likely remain more costly and slower than it was prior to August 2025. 

Unfortunately, sending goods to the United States has become significantly more complex, costly, and risky as of late 2025 and into 2026. The U.S. government has tightened import regulations, heavily restricted duty-free exemptions, and initiated intense scrutiny of foreign shipments. It is likely that shipping goods fron Japan to the U.S. for many small businesses will continue to be suspended indefinetly.

Why Did Japan Post Stop Shipping to the U.S.?

On July 30, 2025, the Trump administration removed a rule called the “De Minimis” exemption, which used to let international packages under $800 enter the U.S. without taxes. 

Now, all packages coming into the U.S. — no matter how small or cheap — may be taxed. Shipping companies and postal services now need to handle more paperwork, collect customs deposits, and follow new rules.

Because of this, Japan Post said it will stop accepting most packages going to the U.S.

Unfortunately, because of this Japanese Green Tea Shops will also be forced suspend all services to the United States until further notice. (We do not ship via FedEx, DHL or any other courier services).

What is Japan Post's Official Response?

Japan Post announced:

Starting August 27, 2025 it will stop shipping taxable items, small parcels, and gifts over $100 to the U.S.

Reason: Unclear instructions from U.S. Customs on how to handle new tax and data requirements.

What does this mean?

We simply can’t send packages containing goods from Japan to the U.S. using the usual postal system.

Other countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, India, and Switzerland have also paused similar services to the U.S.

How Does This Affect Japanese Green Tea Shops?

If you order from JGTS and your address in the U.S., here’s what you need to know:

Shipping methods EMS, Airmail, Economy Airmail and Surface are suspended until further notice.

When service resumes you’ll now have to pay import taxes. For example, a $100 order might cost you an extra $15 in tariffs. (There could also be additional Customs and duties as well, but at this point it is unclear). 

Update: Donald Trump has enacted an executive order that includes exemptions for imports including cocoa and coffee from existing US tariffs. Some examples of exempted food and drinks are coffee products, tea (including green and black) and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg and pepper.  This could be good news for our JGTS customers, we will watch the situation closely.

Change for Online Shoppers in the U.S.

If you’ve been buying things from Japan and getting them delivered quickly without paying extra fees, it has now changed. The $800 de minimis tax exemption is now a thing of the past.

From now on, all commercial shipments, regardless of value or origin, must pay applicable customs duties and taxes. (See how you will likely pay Tariff and Custom fees HERE).

What to Expect?

Extra Costs: Even small orders (under $800) may get taxed or charged extra fees.

Slower Shipping: Every package will take longer because of customs inspections.

Higher Prices: Past changes like this have led to pricier products and shipping even for customers not in the United States. Businesses may choose to pass the cost of tariffs, customs fees and duties onto consumers in the form of higher prices, or simply choose not to offer products to the U.S. consumer entirely.

What to Do

Stay Updated: Watch for announcements from sellers and shipping companies.

The Bigger Picture

This rule change will impact international shopping. Many sellers may open U.S. warehouses (although restocking with goods coming from other countries will still be subject to tariffs and duties). Other sellers will likely raise prices, provide goods of lower quality or change to more expensive shipping methods.

Other business will simply not survive.  Ultimately, you will have fewer choices of goods. (Since some goods, especally lower priced ones simply will never be manufactured in the United States). Shopping abroad will still be possible, just expect it to take more planning and money.

Final Tip

In summary, online shoppers in the U.S. buying goods from Japan should be prepared to pay higher costs due to the 15% tariff and the elimination of the de minimis exemption. This may impact your purchasing decisions and potentially lead to longer wait times or reduced product availability and quality.