The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has reversed its decision to stop accepting packages from China and Hong Kong, resuming collections just 12 hours after the initial suspension. The halt came in response to the Trump administration’s new 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports, which ended the “de minimis” exemption that previously allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs.
In a statement released Wednesday morning, USPS confirmed that all international mail and packages from China and Hong Kong would continue to be accepted.
The agency stated, “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 initial suspension sparked confusion, as letters and flats were still being processed, while packages were temporarily blocked. The move affected businesses and consumers who rely on Chinese imports, especially e-commerce sellers and small businesses dependent on international shipping.
China responded swiftly, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson warning of potential countermeasures. The spokesperson urged the U.S. to avoid politicizing trade and to stop imposing unfair restrictions on Chinese companies.
The resumption of service aims to prevent major disruptions in trade and logistics. However, importers and consumers may face higher costs due to the new tariffs. Experts believe this policy shift could lead to longer shipping times as customs officials work to enforce the tariff rules effectively.
While the immediate crisis has been averted, tensions between the U.S. and China over trade policies remain high. The long-term impact of the new tariffs on businesses and supply chains is still unfolding.
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