Every Package to US Now Taxed, Small Businesses Hit

Belizean small businesses are already feeling the pinch of new US rules that remove duty-free entry for low-value packages. Beginning August 29, every shipment sent to the US will be subject to taxes.

The Belize Postal Service has responded by temporarily suspending all goods shipments to the US.

Entrepreneur Khadija Assales explained how the change has disrupted her small business.

In an update she shared on social media about her package shipments, it explained that the postal service made an “executive decision” to stop accepting packages bound for the US. “If they continue sending, they will need to pay tax on all packages being shipped, and they do not know how much that will end up being,” the update said.

She said that although she was able to ship her products, the adjustment created new hurdles in getting them out and she is now “exploring new and exciting opportunities that arose from yesterday’s frustrations.”