The Belize Postal Service has announced a significant policy change that will increase shipping costs for packages destined for the United States. Effective immediately, all international shipments to the U.S. will incur an additional one-dollar fee, a measure formally approved by the nation’s Cabinet.
This strategic adjustment directly responds to sweeping changes in U.S. trade regulations initiated by an executive order from President Donald Trump in July 2025. The American policy overhaul eliminated the longstanding duty-free threshold that previously allowed goods valued up to $800 to enter the United States without taxation. Under the updated framework, all dutiable international postal items are now subject to U.S. import taxes.
Belizean officials have characterized the surcharge as an essential operational measure rather than a revenue-generating initiative. The additional dollar per package will enable the postal service to offset increased administrative costs and compliance burdens associated with the revised American regulatory requirements. These include enhanced customs documentation, processing procedures, and potential liability for undeclared goods.
The financial impact is expected to affect both commercial enterprises and private citizens who regularly utilize postal services for transboundary shipments. Small to medium-sized businesses engaged in e-commerce and export activities may face compounded operational expenses, while individuals sending gifts or personal items to family members in the U.S. will encounter higher mailing costs.
The policy implementation reflects broader global adjustments to the U.S. trade policy shift, with multiple nations reconsidering their postal agreements and fee structures. Belize’s approach demonstrates how smaller economies are adapting their administrative frameworks to maintain functional postal relationships with the United States while managing increased regulatory complexity.