New Zealand announces suspension of parcel deliveries to the United States, new prime minister speaks out

The US government announced on July 30 that it will suspend duty-free treatment for imported parcels valued at $800 or less starting on August 29. As a result, many countries have recently announced the suspension of sending parcels to the United States. According to a report by Agence France-Presse on the 25th, due to the uncertainty brought about by the tariff policy to be implemented by US President Trump, New Zealand Post has stated that it has suspended most of its parcel services to the United States. The report stated that New Zealand Post stated that prior to the 15% tariff on the United States taking effect on August 29, the company had suspended parcel deliveries to the United States starting on August 21. The agency said in a statement that only limited letters and important documents will be sent to the United States. The report stated that New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern said in an interview with New Zealand Radio on Monday that people are confused about the impact of tariffs. "Just like what these postal institutions are doing, they cannot determine the tariff rate or cost, and cannot guarantee how this will work in practice." Ardern said, "I believe that New Zealand Post and its counterparts in other countries will work with the United States to clarify this issue."