US TARIFFS ARE BRUTAL (Personal Anecdote)
- Thread starter JustinG
- Start date
gino1
Well-known member
Hello Pickelhaube enthusiasts, I bought something from England and America a few weeks ago, to be honest, I have to admit that America is still cheap to import into Belgium (place of residence), for America I had to pay 44.50 euros in tax, so to speak, now for England I paid a lot more, namely 136 euros, so I certainly won't complain if I buy something from America again, but as you can see, we don't have to complain about Trump yet hahaa
John Josef
Well-known member
I got hit with this yesterday.
DHL is currently facing temporary restrictions on shipping parcels to the United States due to new customs regulations that will take effect on August 29, 2025.
DHL is currently facing temporary restrictions on shipping parcels to the United States due to new customs regulations that will take effect on August 29, 2025.
Overview of the Situation
- New Customs Regulations: Starting August 29, 2025, new customs regulations will impose stricter controls on postal goods shipping to the U.S. This affects both private and business customers in Germany, where DHL operates. The regulations require more detailed customs documentation for shipments, particularly those valued over $100.
- Restrictions on Shipments: As a result of these new rules, DHL will no longer accept parcels containing goods from business customers destined for the U.S. However, packages sent as gifts from individuals, valued up to $100, can still be shipped, albeit with stricter controls to prevent misuse.
- High-Value Shipments: Additionally, DHL has announced a temporary halt on all high-value shipments (over $800) to U.S. consumers, effective April 21, 2025. This is due to the U.S. government's decision to lower the threshold for formal customs clearance from $2,500 to $800, which requires more extensive documentation and has led to processing backlogs.
Doug B
Well-known member
Belgium decides what the duties are to import items into Belgium, not the US. It literally has nothing to do with Trump.
I think Europe in general has placed higher tariffs on items from England and vice versa since Brexit.
Also what were the items? Were they exactly the same and valued the same for customs? Different items have different duties and of course more expensive items will be more to import than cheaper items.
Also Belgium import taxes are ridiculous. Our son has lived in Belgium since he was 22 (and is now a citizen with a family) now 14 years, and we had to stop sending him packages as he would get charged insane levels of taxes. We even sent him more of his own old clothes and personal items after he first moved there and they charged him taxes on his old used items! I also think Belgian customs officials are retarded but that’s another story for another day lol.
Doug B
Well-known member
The US had very high import value thresholds and now it’s coming into line with every other country on the planet with lowering them. Couriers and postal services have geared their operations around this but with the change will now have to add technology and or more personnel to handle the added data processing for clearance of far more items.
Also declaring something as a gift doesn’t necessarily matter to the country of import. It’s the value of the item not whether it was actually purchased by the importer.
I’ve had packages routinely stopped by Canada Customs with low values declared and described as gift who want the actual value of the item even if used and will look at websites such as eBay to find the item and assess the imported item based on a market value. I’ve even paid duty on an item which we traded and no money changed hands based on a market value they determine.
Also I think because DHL provides contract postal service to some European countries they are in a poorer position to accept the added data and customs processing than FedEx or UPS.
John Josef
Well-known member
I agree with everything in your post above and you 100% correct about UPS and Fedex Dou. I remember years ago when sending legit gifts to family in Germany especially when my niece and nephew were young, I sent Levis Jeans as they got taller because in Germany, they are way too expensive, and they would have to pay at the post office before being able to have them delivered. It's been going on forever but since ol Trump is calling it out now we are hearing about it.
Just as I side note my local has raised prices on my must have German beer by 5 bucks a sixer many are taking advantage in order to make a buck even though it hasn't even been implemented yet and that Bier has been in the country longer than Trump has been in the White House Total BS.
I'm now shopping price over convivence.
Doug B
Well-known member
I agree with everything in your post above and you 100% correct about UPS and Fedex Dou. I remember years ago when sending legit gifts to family in Germany especially when my niece and nephew were young, I sent Levis Jeans as they got taller because in Germany, they are way too expensive, and they would have to pay at the post office before being able to have them delivered. It's been going on forever but since ol Trump is calling it out now we are hearing about it.
Just as I side note my local has raised prices on my must have German beer by 5 bucks a sixer many are taking advantage in order to make a buck even though it hasn't even been implemented yet and that Bier has been in the country longer than Trump has been in the White House Total BS.
I'm now shopping price over convivence.
No question companies are taking advantage and raising prices and say “tariffs” when tariffs have nothing to do with it.
Many people do not fully understand import export duties / tariffs and think the exporter pays the tariffs when it’s always the importer or think added processing fees have something to duties or tariffs when it’s simple administration/processing fees charged by the carrier to the importer.
Now you have to find a beer cheaper that tastes as good!!
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John Josef
Well-known member
Hi Doug, I said I'm shopping price over convivence which I meant to say is I'm willing to drive a bit farther from home and pay a bit more so my local shop can kiss it and I let them know it but I'm not looking for a local substitue for my Bayerisches Bier
especially for Oktoberfest my father would spin in his grave. 
but I certainly hear what you're saying. Hopefully it won't get to desperate times.
Doug B
Well-known member
Hi Doug, I said I'm shopping price over convivence which I meant to say is I'm willing to drive a bit farther from home and pay a bit more so my local shop can kiss it and I let them know it but I'm not looking for a local substitue for my Bayerisches Bier
Yes one must not deviate from his chosen bier!!
JustinG
Well-known member
For me, that chosen bier is Ayinger Bräuweisse. I can pick it up here still for around $4.50 - $5.50 for a 0.5L bottle. If I buy a case, (qty 20) I get 10% off. A keg costs around $300USD for a 50L. Which equals to about $6 for a liter (Maß) pour.
I will be getting another Keg on Tuesday. I will look to see how much a markup it is.
I will be getting another Keg on Tuesday. I will look to see how much a markup it is.