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09/09/2025 – In the wake of President Donald J. Trump’s executive order ending the de minimis exemption, the U.S. Postal Service assured that it will continue to accept, transport, and deliver mail packages sent from the Marianas to the continental U.S.
“We want to reassure our customers that mail and packages sent from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to the 50 United States will continue to be accepted, transported, and delivered. The United States Postal Service has partnered with a third-party qualified by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure duties are paid pursuant to the recent de minimis executive order,”
John Hyatt, strategic communications specialist, So Cal (San Diego, San Bernardino, Palm Springs, El Centro) and Hawaii/Pacific Islands, wrote to Marianas Press.
In addition, Hyatt said mail and packages sent from the 50 United States, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to U.S. territories remain unchanged.
The de minimis exemption ended by Trump’s Executive Order 14324 previously allowed small packages worth less than $800 to be exempt from U.S. tariffs.
When reached for comment, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said it was essentially the same statement that was given to her office earlier.
“We are seeking clarification with regards to what is meant regarding the collection of duties by a third party,” she told Marianas Press.
In a press release, King-Hinds delved more into the issue, announcing that USPS confirmed airmail service from the CNMI and Guam to the U.S. mainland will no longer be disrupted by the suspension of the de minimis exemption.
“I am pleased to report that all mail and packages from Guam and the CNMI, which are dispatched through Guam, were successfully transported to Honolulu today. The United States Postal Service has confirmed that a third-party provider qualified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now in place to facilitate compliance with the recent de minimis Executive Order. With this arrangement, USPS has assured us that mail and packages sent from Guam and the CNMI to the 50 states will continue to be accepted, transported, and delivered. I also want to reassure our community that mail and packages sent from the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia to the U.S. territories remain unchanged and unaffected by this situation,” she said.
Over the past several days, King-Hinds said her office has worked closely with USPS, CBP, and senior officials at the White House to resolve this disruption.
“I am grateful for their cooperation and responsiveness in finding a path forward. At the same time, I remain committed to ensuring that the full range of benefits and obligations provided to the CNMI under the Covenant are honored in the implementation of this and other federal policies. There are still questions we are seeking to resolve related to the application of duties on outbound airmail shipments, and as more guidance becomes available, I will continue to keep you informed.”
She said reliable mail service is essential for families, businesses, and government operations in the Marianas. While this immediate challenge has been addressed, King-Hinds said she continues to monitor implementation and work with our federal partners to make sure USPS’ service remains stable and that shipments from the CNMI are treated fairly under the law.
Last week, Rep. Vincent Aldan, who has been pressing for territorial relief, said the islands’ dependence on imports makes the community uniquely exposed to any changes in trade and customs rules.
“Nearly 100% of our food, medicine, fuel, and household goods are imported,” he said. “This one-size-fits-all policy, designed for mainland trade disputes, disproportionately harms island families who are already struggling with some of the highest costs of living in the nation.”
Aldan warned that the suspension of the duty-free de minimis threshold—previously allowing shipments valued under $800 to move freely—has begun to drive up costs for groceries, school supplies, and construction materials.
He added that foreign postal services and carriers have started restricting shipments to U.S. addresses, including CNMI ZIP codes, leaving families and small businesses with fewer options and higher fees.
He urged federal authorities to carve out an exemption for the Marianas, issue immediate guidance to carriers, provide a transition period to avoid shortages, and safeguard essential goods such as food and medicine. “On behalf of CNMI families, I urge you: do not let this Executive Order worsen our isolation,” Aldan said.
Report by Mark Rabago
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