Huma Siraj
Following recent customs tax rules that have restricted access to less expensive cross-border delivery routes, AliExpress has suspended a number of shipping alternatives to Pakistan. E-commerce activity is anticipated to be severely disrupted by the move, which results from regulatory actions taken by SriLankan and Pakistani customs agencies.
Citing the ambiguity around the new tax regulations, AliExpress confirmed in a statement to sellers that it has begun offline processing for destination routes, including Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The effects of the customs reforms are already being felt locally, even though specifics have not been made public.
When placing orders on AliExpress, Pakistani customers will no longer have the ability to use the previously offered affordable shipping choices. Additionally, merchants will not be allowed to choose these methods for processing logistical orders and shipping declarations starting next week, on July 7, 2025.
The action comes after what seems to be a crackdown by Pakistani customs on shipping firms that provide steep discounts, including AliExpress Standard Shipping and Cainiao, which have long increased the popularity of Chinese e-commerce companies in Pakistan. This made it possible for customers to purchase household products, electronics, and accessories for a few dollars with little to no shipping costs. It appears that the era is now on hold, if not completely gone.
AliExpress has urged sellers to monitor the situation for any updates and modify their shipping templates accordingly. If customs laws are not eased or clarified, the disruption might persist for a long time, even though there is no official forecast on when or if the affected logistics lines would reopen.
Conclusion
The suspension of affordable AliExpress shipping to Pakistan marks a major shift for both online shoppers and sellers. What was once a go-to platform for budget-friendly purchases may now become less accessible for many. Until customs regulations are clarified or relaxed, this disruption is likely to continue, affecting the entire e-commerce ecosystem in the region. For now, Pakistani buyers and sellers alike will need to adapt to the new reality and hope for a resolution that restores affordability and convenience in global online shopping.
