US Postal Service says suspending parcels from China

(FILES) A US Postal Service employee sorts mail at the Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center in preparation for another busy holiday season, November 30, 2022, in Los Angeles. The US Postal Service (USPS) said on February 4, 2025 that it was temporarily suspending inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong, shortly after President Donald Trump’s imposition of fresh tariffs targeting Beijing. The halt will take place “until further notice,” and follows Trump’s order for an additional 10 percent levy on Chinese imports starting Tuesday. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
Washington, United States — The US Postal Service (USPS) said Tuesday it was temporarily suspending inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong, shortly after President Donald Trump’s imposition of fresh tariffs targeting Beijing.
The halt will take place “until further notice,” and follows Trump’s order for an additional 10 percent levy on Chinese imports starting Tuesday.
The order, unveiled over the weekend, also eliminated a duty-free exemption for low value packages.
READ: Fast fashion, laptops to cost more due to US tariffs on Chinese imports
The “de minimis” exemption allows goods valued at $800 or below to come into the United States without paying duties or certain taxes.
Article continues after this advertisementBut it has faced scrutiny due to a a surge in shipments claiming the exemption in recent years.
Article continues after this advertisementUS officials pointed to the growth of Chinese-founded online retailers Shein and Temu as a key factor behind this increase — and Tuesday’s halt could delay parcels from both companies from entering the country.
Washington has been looking to tighten the rule, saying the growth in shipments makes it harder to screen goods for security risks.
However, the USPS gave no reason for its pause on Tuesday.
Other retailers like Amazon might also be impacted.