By: Ina Steiner

Japan's postal service is suspending mail to the US as of Friday, April 24, 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and the USPS put 'air to sea diversion' in effect.

Both posts cited flight reductions in their announcements.

JapanPost.jp's announcement (translated by Google Translate) indicates other countries' posts could also slow down or suspend inbound shipments to the US:

'We have just been informed of the significant delay in the delivery of international mail to the United States due to the flight reduction and suspension of aircraft due to the global spread of new coronavirus infections.'

A reader based in Japan who sell sells to US shoppers tipped us off via Twitter and said he would be closing his stores on eBay and Amazon as a result.

The announcement states Japan Post will temporarily suspend the following types of mail: EMS mail; Parcel postal matter; Regular mail (small packages and printed materials). The mail following types of mail will continue: Parcel postal matter (Handling by sea mail); Regular mail (letter, postcard, mail for the blind); and Regular mail (small packaging and printed matter).

Meanwhile, an April 23rd advisory from the USPS titled 'Alternate Transportation: Air to Sea Diversion in Effect' states, 'The Postal Service will utilize sea transportation to address the issue of limited air transportation resulting from widespread flight cancellations and restrictions due to COVID-19. This option will remain in effect until sufficient air transportation capacity becomes available.'

The international mail slowdown will impact sellers who rely on incoming mail for product sourcing needs, as well as sellers who count on international shoppers for a percentage of their sales.

Comments (13) | Permalink

by: iheartjacksparrow

Japan Post has been shut down as far as deliveries to the U.S. since the beginning of April. I have been awaiting a package of anime figures, to be shipped via Express Mail, that was delivered to the post office in Tokyo on April 3rd and hasn't moved.

by: FeelingFroggy

I don't know if anyone has every had to deal with sea shipments from japan. But there isn't enough days left in the year for you to get a package from japan

by: Snapped

“... the significant delay in the delivery of international mail to the United States due to the flight reduction and suspension of aircraft due to the global spread ...“
So then..
Fuel is pretty cheap these days. Lots of recently de-patroned Knights of the sky seeking stick time - and readily retrainable where need be. Jet mechs to hanger staffs too. And apparently a recent glut of parked aircraft.
So then....what’s missing? Nooo, it’s bigger that ‘who pays’. That’s the easy part. It’s who cooks this rich stew. Pan-cooperation to battle this pandemic. One example no less.
So then....

by: RL15

u.s. should ban all products coming from china.

by: Whatever

I think they banned china quite awhile ago - I had an order from January - said shipped and never recvd. Disputed the charge - they didn't fight it and got my money back.. Just concentrating on my own goods now.

by: Scotty

I have been barraged the past 2 weeks from international customers filing claims their items have not arrived....many of these were mailed 4-8 weeks ago....now I know why....it's the former Economy Mail option....yet being charged First Class International rates. I guarantee they started this weeks ago....

by: ThisGuy

I'd advise everyone on eBay to stop offering International shipping. I had a Canadian purchase not long ago arrive on time, but I just had a shipment go to Israel that is currently being returned back to me. I have a feeling I'm going to have to eat that $15.00 in shipping.
The biggest problem I have is that any communication of shipments being refused by any country is certainly not being reported by eBay.
Why did this buyer have the opportunity to buy my item and why did eBay let me purchase and print this postage??
Just stop offering any International shipping right now and be safe. Sell and ship Domestic only, is what I suggest.

by: 1st Armored Division 1971-1973

I have not noticed any problems shipping internationally to UK and France. First Class is arriving with 3 weeks give or take a few days.

by: cfrphoto

The USPS web site lists service suspensions. The Stamp Collectors Forum also has compiled a list
http://forums.delphiforums.com/stamps/messages?msg=55363.6

by: cfrphoto

Correction: http://forums.delphiforums.com/stamps/messages/?msg=55323.1

by: DeathFromAbove

Wouldn't it make sense to just save up a full plane load, and still send the stuff business as usual? Seems like a reduction in passenger load shouldn't bring everything else to a halt. Temporarily remove the seats and stuff it with mail instead. Probably make more money too.

by: Chicago48

Well, the president has been saying all along that manufacturing should come back to the US which I agree with. At least bring it back to the western hemisphere. I never buy from Asia (knowingly) anyway. But the USPS has been experiencing slowdowns and I've had at least 3 customers in the past month inquire about the deliveries. What can you tell them? Only that it's the CV19 keeping the mail from being delivered faster. Staff shortages, etc.

by: Toledo Maude

When the US Post Office cancelled all sea freights 8 to 10 years ago, I lost a big chunk of collectibles business to Australia. Now I sell nearly nothing internationally.
This looks to be a temporary resumption of Post Office sea freight, unfortunately. Wonder if the Post Office is charging their normal air mail charges for sea freight? Would not that be a kick in the...