US Postal Service Suspends Accepting Packages from China

This decision only applies to parcels, while letters and flats from China are still accepted by USPS as usual.

USPS has not commented specifically on the reason for the suspension, nor whether the move is related to President Donald Trump's new policy.

The Trump administration recently announced an end to the policy of exempting import duties on small, low-value shipments (de minimis) from China and several other countries.

The “de minimis” provision (Section 321 of the US Customs Code) allows shipments worth less than $800 to enter the US duty-free. According to a report by the US Congressional Commission on China in June 2023, nearly half of all parcels imported under this provision originate from China.

In addition, President Trump also imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, along with a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico. However, these tariffs have been suspended for a month.

The USPS's suspension of accepting packages from China could have a major impact on small businesses and American consumers, especially those who regularly shop from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, Temu, or Shein.

Many fear the move will increase shipping costs and make cross-border shopping more difficult, while logistics companies and retailers may have to look for alternative shipping options to continue importing goods into the US.

Cao Phong (according to USPS, Reuters)