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The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily halted inbound parcel shipments from China and Hong Kong Posts starting February 4. However, letters and flat mail will continue to be accepted, according to the USPS website.
The agency has not confirmed whether this suspension is linked to former President Donald Trump's recent move to end 'de minimis' shipments from China and other nations. The de minimis rule allows duty-free imports valued under $800, benefiting e-commerce businesses. Nearly half of these shipments originate from China, according to a June 2023 U.S. congressional report.
Trump's plan includes a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, though these were temporarily paused for a month. The policy aims to curb reliance on low-cost imports and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
This change could disrupt e-commerce businesses relying on small, low-value shipments from China, including platforms such as Temu, Shein, and Alibaba. With USPS suspending parcels, businesses may seek alternative shipping methods, potentially increasing costs and delivery times.
While USPS has not provided a timeline for resuming parcel acceptance, industry experts predict significant disruptions to international shipping and cross-border trade. The situation remains dynamic as regulatory policies evolve.
This development highlights growing trade tensions and the shifting landscape of U.S.-China commerce, impacting consumers, retailers, and logistics providers alike.
