The United States Postal Service said Wednesday it will once again accept inbound parcels and mail from China and Hong Kong, reversing a short-lived suspension announced just a day earlier. The abrupt policy change comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs on Chinese goods and the elimination of the "de minimis" exemption that previously allowed small-value packages from China to enter the U.S. duty-free.
In a brief statement, the Postal Service noted: "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 unprecedented move to initially halt inbound mail from China and Hong Kong was widely seen as an attempt to handle the looming complexity over newly assessed duties, particularly on parcels that once enjoyed minimal scrutiny.
On Tuesday, the USPS had posted an online alert announcing it would stop all inbound packages from China and Hong Kong Posts, while clarifying that letters and large envelopes, known as flats, were unaffected. Although the agency did not specify a reason for the abrupt ban or provide a timeline for its resolution, its stance sparked concern among e-commerce sellers and customers on both continents.
The swift retraction underscores the difficulties the Postal Service faces in balancing heightened trade enforcement with maintaining global mail flows. "The de minimis provision has been a critical tool for Chinese e-commerce firms," one USPS spokesperson said previously, referencing the duty-free allowance for packages below $800. Such shipments soared in recent years, fueled by Chinese digital retailers like Shein and Temu, which rely heavily on low-cost cross-border logistics.
Chinese officials on Wednesday blasted Washington's approach, contending it threatened further disruptions in global commerce. "As a matter of principle, I want to point out that we urge the United States to stop politicizing trade and economic issues and using them as tools, and to stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters. Beijing has likewise responded to the 10% tariff by announcing 15% levies on certain U.S. goods, including coal and liquefied natural gas.
U.S. lawmakers have long been critical of what they perceive as China's exploitation of the de minimis loophole. Trade groups and federal agencies allege it has allowed suspicious packages-including counterfeit items or illicit drugs-to slip through minimal customs checks. With the new tariffs in place, the White House hopes to curtail this practice. For the e-commerce sector, it raises questions over cost structures and consumer prices, especially on fast-growing platforms catering to bargain-seeking American shoppers.
Industry observers note the complexities for shipping providers. Cross-border e-commerce companies often rely on the Postal Service for up to 31% of last-mile deliveries, according to consulting firm iMpact. USPS has "traditionally been a cost-effective option, particularly for small sellers in China," said Chris Pereira, iMpact's president and CEO. He warned that "the suspension could lead to increased costs for sellers and higher prices for U.S. consumers" if disruptions persist.
Shein and Temu have tried to minimize their reliance on de minimis by building U.S. warehouses. Nonetheless, the abrupt mailing block-albeit short-lived-exposed potential vulnerabilities for any foreign merchant shipping directly to American addresses. Wen Biao, general manager at Shenzhen-based Qianhe Technology Logistics, has previously stated that "explosive" demand for U.S. warehouse space started last year as companies hedged against "further trade restrictions."
President Trump, who on Monday agreed to delay 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico but kept China's 10% levy in place, has argued the new regime is vital to protect American jobs. Critics question whether that push might stifle competition and escalate costs for consumers. While the USPS has moved to restore parcel deliveries, it remains unclear how swiftly the backlog of packages will clear or whether further suspensions could reappear if trade tensions intensify.