The UPU International Bureau (IB) wishes to inform Union member countries and their designated operators (DOs) that it is actively analyzing the recent executive order (EO) issued by the President of the United States of America on 30 July 2025, which is scheduled to take effect on 29 August 2025. This EO suspends the de minimis duty-free exemption for international postal shipments containing goods from other UPU member countries and establishes a specific methodology for collection and remittance of customs duties, thus potentially affecting DOs that currently dispatch postal items containing goods to the United States. The IB is conducting an internal assessment and engaging with US authorities and other relevant stakeholders, with a view to better understanding the practical implications of the EO for the exchange of international postal items containing goods (bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the UPU Acts).The IB is also exploring potential approaches to ensure the continuity of international postal flows. In more specific terms, the IB is aiming to gather comprehensive information to provide Union member countries and their DOs with a detailed assessment and, as appropriate, recommended next steps and potential operational solutions within the coming days/weeks.

Authorities issue ground stop for United Airlines flights: Media sources on August 6 reported that the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for United Airlines flights across the United States due to a technical glitch on the evening of same day. The ground stop was issued at major airports including Newark Liberty International Airport (IATA: EWR), Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD). Sources indicate that at least 827 flights have been delayed and 23 have been canceled. The ground stop was lifted following the resolution of the issue at 21:00 local time on the same day, but delays continued through the evening.

Heavy rainfall causes flash flooding in Kansas City :Media sources reported on July 17 that heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. Flooding was reported on several local roads, including parts of Highway 169, Interstate 70, and Interstate 435, causing traffic disruptions in the city. Logistics disruptions can be expected.

Magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurs near Sand Point, Alaska : Media sources on July 17 report that authorities have recorded several aftershocks near Sand Point following the 7.3 magnitude offshore earthquake that struck 88 km (55 miles) south of Sand Point, Alaska, United States, at 12:37 local time on July 16. Reports indicate around 20 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.7 tremor approximately 94 km (58 miles) south-southeast of Sand Point. Earlier, the earthquake had triggered a tsunami warning off the coast of the Alaskan Peninsula, which was expected to impact cities from the Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass; however, this has since been lifted. Disruptions to businesses and logistics are likely.

Ground delay program at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Government sources reported on July 8 that authorities implemented a ground delay program at John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK), United States, due to thunderstorms.

The program was in effect from 13:00 on July 8 to 00:59 local time on July 9, with average delays of 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Flash flooding has hit parts of Texas, United States.

Media sources reported on July 6 that at least 51 deaths were reported in parts of Kerr County, Texas, United States, following severe flash flooding. Torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes, leading to severe flooding across Kerr, Travis, and Kendall counties.

Reports indicate that a total of 850 people have been rescued or evacuated in the region.

Business and logistical disruptions are likely to continue till water levels recede.