US tariff hits Bengaluru with parcel shipments to America dropping by 50%

The recent 50% tariff imposed by the United States on shipments from India has led to a steep decline in the number of parcels dispatched from Bengaluru’s General Post Office (GPO) in Cubbon Park. Data shows that bookings fell from 57 in July to just 27 during the first 24 days of August, reflecting a drop of more than half.

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Until recently, parcels valued below $800 were exempt from duty, allowing families to send goods abroad at relatively affordable rates. Under the new tariff regime, however, items priced above $100 attract heavy duties, drastically increasing the overall cost of shipping. This sharp escalation has discouraged many from using the postal service.

Impact on students and professionals

The impact has been especially severe for students and professionals in the United States, who rely on packages of food, essentials, and documents from home. Traditionally, the GPO sees a rise in parcel volumes around the time Indian students travel back to American universities for the fall semester. Instead, the numbers have dropped, signaling how strongly the tariff has disrupted regular dispatches.

Compounding the problem, India has suspended all postal services to the US following the duty changes. Families are now forced to depend on private courier firms, where rates for the same consignments are nearly double, making them unaffordable for many households.

Postal authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and working on options to resume services at the earliest possible time.