USPS Suspends Incoming Packages from China, Hong Kong

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily suspended the acceptance of parcels from China and Hong Kong, effective February 4, following President Trump's executive order that eliminated the de minimis exemption for low-value imports. This exemption previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, facilitating e-commerce from Chinese companies. The new regulations require detailed information and tariff payments for every parcel, potentially causing delays in deliveries and disrupting supply chains for businesses reliant on low-cost goods. The USPS suspension adds to the confusion in the e-commerce industry, which is already grappling with retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on U.S. imports. Major carriers like FedEx and UPS, which handle a significant volume of these parcels, have yet to announce how they will adapt to the new rules. The situation remains fluid, with businesses and consumers awaiting further clarity from USPS and other shipping carriers.