The United States Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily suspended all inbound packages from China and Hong Kong Posts, a move that took effect immediately and will continue until further notice. This decision follows the recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, which imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, targeting a trade loophole known as "de minimis." This loophole allows exporters to ship packages valued under $800 into the U.S. without paying duties.
The suspension, while not affecting letters and large envelopes (referred to as "flats") sent from China and Hong Kong, is expected to disrupt online shopping practices for many U.S. consumers. Popular Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein have heavily relied on the de minimis loophole to offer competitive prices by bypassing tariffs. Consequently, this measure will likely affect customers who depend on these retailers for affordable goods.
President Trump's tariff strategy is focused on eliminating the de minimis exemption, often exploited by exporters to sidestep tariffs on small packages. Despite the suspension of inbound packages, President Trump has delayed the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, while a 10% tax on goods from China remains active. The USPS has not clarified its reasoning behind the suspension, except to note that it aligns with the government's new tariff policies.
Meanwhile, online shoppers may face challenges in acquiring cost-effective products from Chinese e-commerce firms during this suspension period. Temu and Shein are known for their extensive catalog of discounted goods, and the halt in package acceptance could pose supply difficulties for these platforms.
Although the USPS has not announced any plans to resume accepting inbound packages from China and Hong Kong, it is acting in accordance with the directives issued by the U.S. government. The suspension underscores the broader implications of President Trump's tariff initiatives aimed at closing loopholes that permit duty-free entry of lower-value goods into the country.