The US Postal Service (USPS) recently announced a temporary suspension of international packages from China and Hong Kong, following trade tensions and tariff measures implemented under the Trump administration.
This decision, which went into effect on February 3, 2025, has raised questions regarding the broader implications of the US’s ongoing trade war with China.
The suspension comes after President Trump’s administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, marking a continuation of his hardline stance on China. Though the USPS did not directly link the suspension to the tariffs, it appears that this move is closely tied to the broader context of Trump’s trade policy, which includes levying new duties and closing the “de minimis” provision—allowing imports under $800 to bypass customs duties.
This shift will notably impact e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein, both of which were heavily reliant on the de minimis rule. The removal of this provision means that smaller, more affordable items previously shipped without duties will now incur tariffs, likely resulting in higher prices for US consumers. According to experts, this change may disrupt the flow of packages, delaying shipments and increasing costs for customers. The USPS also mentioned that while parcels will be affected, regular mail shipments, such as letters and flats, will remain unaffected.
President Trump’s tariffs, a cornerstone of his “America First” trade policies, are designed to address what he perceives as unfair trade practices and to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US While economists have warned that tariffs could lead to increased prices for consumers, Trump maintains that these actions are necessary to rebalance trade and protect American industry. The suspension of USPS services for Chinese parcels is part of a broader strategy that aims to slow the flow of goods from China, giving US authorities time to reassess how imports are handled under the new tariff system.
Though companies like Temu and Shein may face challenges in adapting to the new rules, some analysts see this as a way for the US to curtail the influx of goods from China and strengthen its domestic market. The shift aligns with Trump’s broader goals of reducing reliance on Chinese manufacturing and encouraging US-based production. Meanwhile, China has signaled its intent to respond to the US tariffs with retaliatory measures, further escalating the trade dispute.
