US Tariffs on Goods from Japan

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, 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.