NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Local businesses and consumers in The Bahamas are facing disruptions in sending mail to the United States, following a new U.S. policy imposing a 15 percent tariff on all inbound international mail, including low-value parcels.
The Post Office Department announced that its partner airline has ceased accepting outgoing mail to the U.S., citing the tariff as the primary reason for refusal. The move comes after an executive order from the U.S. administration in August that ended a longstanding global exemption on low-value imported parcels.
This policy shift has significantly impacted the flow of mail from The Bahamas to one of its largest trade and communication partners, raising concerns particularly among small businesses, e-commerce operators, and individuals relying on postal services for cross-border shipments.
The Ministry of Energy and Transport, which oversees national mail logistics, has elevated the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in hopes of resolving the issue through diplomatic channels. The tariff issue was also formally raised during the recent Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, where over 190 countries gathered to discuss global postal policies and challenges.
In the meantime, the Post Office Department is working alongside the Ministry to prepare a comprehensive report on the backlog of outgoing U.S. mail, as affected parcels remain grounded.
Officials confirmed that efforts are ongoing to find a workable solution and restore mail services. “We understand the disruption this causes to both businesses and the general public,” the Ministry said in a statement, adding that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This development adds to growing concerns in the region about the broader implications of shifting U.S. trade and tariff policies on small economies and their access to global markets.
