Images of USPS
Images of USPS | USPS Halts Incoming Packages from China and Hong Kong | Image Credit: Wikipedia Common and Flickr.com

The United States Postal Service, USPS, said it would no longer accept packages from China and Hong Kong immediately until further notice. According to the service’s announcement on Tuesday, the action does not extend to letters and flat mail, but it would have a serious impact on international parcel shipments.

The United States Postal Service, USPS, said it would no longer accept packages from China and Hong Kong immediately until further notice. According to the service’s announcement on Tuesday, the action does not extend to letters and flat mail, but it would have a serious impact on international parcel shipments.

The USPS has not provided a specific reason for the suspension or a timeline for its resolution. However, the decision follows the U.S. government’s recent policy changes, including the termination of the “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without duties or detailed inspections. The elimination of this exemption could lead to increased scrutiny of incoming shipments, slowing down cross-border e-commerce.

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The suspension will impact Chinese online retailers like Shein and Temu, which have heavily relied on the de minimis rule to facilitate low-cost shipping to U.S. consumers. This policy shift comes in line with broader trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which have increased after the imposition of new tariffs on Chinese imports.

China has reacted to the new U.S. measures with economic countermeasures of its own, including tariffs on American coal, liquefied natural gas, and large-engine vehicles. Experts say the USPS decision to stop accepting parcels may add fuel to the fire of already frayed trade relations between the two nations.

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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has the authority to inspect international packages, but new regulations could result in a more rigorous review process, thus slowing down shipments. FedEx and UPS, which handle a significant amount of international shipments, have yet to say how they will address the new requirements.

It has not even been made known when the suspension will be lifted, leaving businesses as well as consumers uncertain regarding future international shipping. FedEx and UPS, which handle a significant amount of international shipments, have yet to say how they will address the new requirements.

It has not even been made known when the suspension will be lifted, leaving businesses as well as consumers uncertain regarding future international shipping.

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By Haider Shah

Haider Shah is a highly experienced content writer with 6 years of experience, covering business, finance, and tech-related news. He can produce factual, well-researched articles suitable for professional readers.

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