The United States Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily suspended the acceptance of parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong until further notice, citing no specific reason for the decision.
However, the move comes on the heels of new trade rules that closed a loophole allowing small packages worth $800 or less to be sent to the US without paying tax or fees.
The change is part of a broader trade announcement by US President Donald Trump, who imposed an additional 10% tariff on all goods imported from China. This move has sparked a response from China, which will implement tariffs on some US imports, including a 15% levy on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars.
Trade expert Deborah Elms noted that Trump’s tariff changes would significantly impact goods shipped directly from China to the US via e-commerce. According to a 2023 report by the US Congress, nearly half of all parcels entering the US under the de minimis exemption were sent from China.
The suspension of parcel deliveries from China and Hong Kong is expected to have significant implications for US consumers and businesses that rely on international shipping. While letters will not be affected by the suspension, the move is likely to exacerbate existing trade tensions between the US and China.
