The “de minimis” rule (sometimes called a loophole) had already been eliminated for China and Hong Kong , but is now being suspended for all countries. The trade loophole is meant to ease small-scale sales — but critics say it’s been abused and gives Chinese firms an unfair advantage. But that’s not why post offices and parcel companies are pressing pause on some shipments — instead, they’re citing ambiguous policies and the need to establish brand-new logistics systems. As a result, DHL Group says, it’s suspending business shipments to the U.S. through Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany. There’s bipartisan support for restricting or eliminating “de minimis” shipments.