USPS Halts Parcel Acceptance from China and Hong Kong Amid Tariff Changes

The US Postal Service has announced a temporary suspension of parcel acceptance from mainland China and Hong Kong, while letters remain unaffected. This decision aligns with recent tariff increases and scrutiny over the import of goods, particularly from Chinese e-commerce platforms.

The US Postal Service (USPS) has initiated a temporary halt on accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong, a decision detailed in a recent statement on the company's website. According to USPS, this suspension does not impact the mailing of letters, which will continue as usual. The timeframe for the suspension remains unspecified, with the service indicating it will last "until further notice."

Despite requests for clarification, USPS has not provided further comment. The move comes in the wake of an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which imposed an additional 10% tariff on all goods imported to the US from China. This executive action also revoked an exemption known as the "de minimis" rule, which previously allowed goods valued at $800 (£474) or less to enter the US duty-free.

The "de minimis" loophole had been under intensified scrutiny in recent years, particularly with the significant rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which have seen considerable growth in the US market. US officials have expressed concerns that the large volume of parcels entering the US without adequate screening made it challenging to monitor for possible illegal goods.

As international trade dynamics shift amid these new regulations, the implications of the USPS's actions will continue to unfold. The agency is expected to provide further updates on the status of this suspension in the coming days.