The US Postal Service (USPS) reports that it has temporarily ceased to receive packages from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.
A statement on the company’s website states that the ban would not impact letters.
The postal service company stated that the stop will remain in effect “until further notice” but did not provide an explanation for its choice.
It follows United States President Donald Trump’s imposition of an extra 10% tariff on all Chinese imports into the United States.
An exemption allowing items valued at $800 (£641) or less to enter the United States free of tariffs and some taxes was removed by Trump’s executive order.
Since Chinese e-commerce behemoths like Shein and Temu have been using the so-called “de minimis” tax loophole to reach millions of United States consumers, it has come under more scrutiny.
China responded by threatening to impose duties on a number of United States imports.
Liquefied natural gas products (LNG) and coal will be subject to a 15% tax starting on February 10. A 10% levy will apply to large-engine automobiles, agricultural equipment, and crude oil.
In the upcoming days, President Trump is anticipated to meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
“Trump’s tariff changes are especially sharp if goods were previously shipped via e-commerce directly from China to the US,” said trade expert Deborah Elms.
According to a 2023 report by the US Congressional Committee on China, about half of all packages entering the United States under de minimis came from China.
United States officials have noted that it has become more challenging to inspect packages for potentially illegal goods due to the volume of packages entering the nation through this exception.
