Postal pause no more? The USPS is now accepting packages again from this country after recent suspension
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In a world where online shopping knows no borders, the flow of packages from one country to another is the lifeblood of global commerce.
For many Americans, especially those who have embraced the convenience of e-commerce, the ability to receive goods from other countries is a crucial aspect of daily life.
Whether it's for personal use or for running a small business, the import of affordable goods has become a staple in the American marketplace. So what if the Postal Service suspends packages from countries like China?
Just recently, the US Postal Service (USPS) made a swift change that could have a significant impact on your shopping habits and business operations. On Tuesday, the USPS said that it would be temporarily suspending all inbound packages from Hong Kong and China Posts.
This change would take effect immediately and will stay in place “until further notice,” as per an alert on their website. However, letters and big envelopes, known as “flats”, sent from the two countries wouldn’t be affected.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s signing of executive orders that imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. While Trump agreed to halt the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month, he decided to maintain the additional 10% tax on goods from China.
However, this pause was only brief as the USPS has resumed accepting shipments from China and Hong Kong. This decision came as a sigh of relief to many, occurring less than 12 hours after the initial announcement of the halt.
On February 5, 2025, the USPS issued an updated statement that brought clarity and reassurance: “Effective immediately, the Postal Service will continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong Posts.”
“The USPS and Customs and Border Protection are working closely together to implement an efficient collection mechanism for the new China tariffs to ensure the least disruption to package delivery.”
The term “tariffs” can often bring about confusion and concern. Simply put, tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and they can affect the price of these goods.
While the Postal Service did not explain the reason for the shipment halt, it’s suspected to be owed to Trump ending the “de minimis” exemption for Chinese goods that cost less than $800.
Also read: Discover the reason behind Canada's sudden halt on US tariffs after Trudeau's call with Trump
This exemption is considered a trade loophole as it lets exporters ship packages into the US duty-free, for as long as it meets the amount requirement.
It has helped Chinese e-commerce firms like Temu and Shein grow in the US by offering record low prices on apparel, furniture, electronics, and more.
Source: CNBC Television / Youtube.
The initial decision to halt shipments from China had prompted a response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which called for the US to “stop politicizing economic and trade issues and using them as a tool, and to stop unreasonably suppressing Chinese companies.”
Also read: Trump drops key update: Here’s the "pain" Americans could face from tariffs
Do you have concerns about the effects of tariffs on your shopping or business? How would it affect you if the postal services from China and Hong Kong end up suspended again? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
For many Americans, especially those who have embraced the convenience of e-commerce, the ability to receive goods from other countries is a crucial aspect of daily life.
Whether it's for personal use or for running a small business, the import of affordable goods has become a staple in the American marketplace. So what if the Postal Service suspends packages from countries like China?
Just recently, the US Postal Service (USPS) made a swift change that could have a significant impact on your shopping habits and business operations. On Tuesday, the USPS said that it would be temporarily suspending all inbound packages from Hong Kong and China Posts.
This change would take effect immediately and will stay in place “until further notice,” as per an alert on their website. However, letters and big envelopes, known as “flats”, sent from the two countries wouldn’t be affected.
The US Postal Service (USPS) has resumed accepting shipments from China less than 12 hours after announcing a halt due to new tariffs. Image source: dference / Pixabay.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s signing of executive orders that imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. While Trump agreed to halt the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month, he decided to maintain the additional 10% tax on goods from China.
However, this pause was only brief as the USPS has resumed accepting shipments from China and Hong Kong. This decision came as a sigh of relief to many, occurring less than 12 hours after the initial announcement of the halt.
On February 5, 2025, the USPS issued an updated statement that brought clarity and reassurance: “Effective immediately, the Postal Service will continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong Posts.”
“The USPS and Customs and Border Protection are working closely together to implement an efficient collection mechanism for the new China tariffs to ensure the least disruption to package delivery.”
The term “tariffs” can often bring about confusion and concern. Simply put, tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and they can affect the price of these goods.
While the Postal Service did not explain the reason for the shipment halt, it’s suspected to be owed to Trump ending the “de minimis” exemption for Chinese goods that cost less than $800.
Also read: Discover the reason behind Canada's sudden halt on US tariffs after Trudeau's call with Trump
This exemption is considered a trade loophole as it lets exporters ship packages into the US duty-free, for as long as it meets the amount requirement.
It has helped Chinese e-commerce firms like Temu and Shein grow in the US by offering record low prices on apparel, furniture, electronics, and more.
Source: CNBC Television / Youtube.
The initial decision to halt shipments from China had prompted a response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which called for the US to “stop politicizing economic and trade issues and using them as a tool, and to stop unreasonably suppressing Chinese companies.”
Also read: Trump drops key update: Here’s the "pain" Americans could face from tariffs
Do you have concerns about the effects of tariffs on your shopping or business? How would it affect you if the postal services from China and Hong Kong end up suspended again? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
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