Hong Kong Post posted a notice that it would suspend its goods mail services by sea to the United States. We are making this decision in recognition of the impact of recently implemented US tariff policies. Recently, the US government has moved to remove the “de minimis” exemption line. This amendment resulted in the suspension, which prior allowed low-value shipments to come into the US duty-free. The new tariff increases go into effect on May 2. Customers in Hong Kong are rightfully concerned about the costs they will have to endure as a consequence.
The postal service provider further suspended its air mail services for articles of commerce effective April 27. In their announcement, Hong Kong Post specifically pointed to the “bullying” behavior of the US tariffs as a key reason for this decision. In the accompanying release, the EU stated its frustration with the United States’ actions, calling them “unreasonable” and “abusive.”
Belt and Road aside, Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of China, has historically thrived as a free and open trading entrepôt. It provides a broad spectrum of postal services, from air to sea mail. Since the US government unilaterally rescinded Hong Kong’s special status under US law back in 2020, trade relations between the two jurisdictions have soured rapidly. This decision was made following China’s imposition of a national security law.
Hong Kong Post went so far as to announce in advance that it was not going to collect US tariffs. American customers shouldn’t be made to pay exorbitant and unfair fees due to the US’s unjust actions. This quote summarizes all of the mounting frustrations occurring in Hong Kong. Mail operators are angry that the impact of US tariffs is threatening their postal services and restricting trade benefits.
Despite these difficulties, Hong Kong Post remains committed to serving its customers locally and around the world. The suspension of mail services to the US is a significant escalation in operational policy. This blatant political move threatens to sour burgeoning trade and commercial ties between Hong Kong and the United States.
“The US is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively.” – Hong Kong Post