The United States government announced in late July that starting from August 29, it would suspend duty-free treatment for inbound parcels valued at $800 or less.

On September 6, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) said on its official website that postal traffic with the U.S. on August 29 dropped by 81 percent compared with previous levels. UPU also revealed that 88 postal operators worldwide have notified the UPU of either a full or partial suspension of services to the U.S.

Industry insiders noted that the U.S. move to cancel low-value duty-free treatment has disrupted the global postal network, with small and micro enterprises relying on cross-border e-commerce taking the hardest hit.

"We're working to uphold responsibility with the rapid development of a new technical solution that will help get mail moving to the U.S. again," said UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki.

Following Washington's latest tariff measure on postal parcels, postal authorities in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany issued statements saying they would no longer accept most parcels destined for the U.S.

(With input from agencies)