US Postal Service Halts Parcel Shipments from China Amid Trade Tensions

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily stopped accepting parcel shipments from mainland China and Hong Kong, escalating existing trade tensions.

This suspension does not extend to letter mail but the duration and specific reasons for the halt remain undisclosed by U.S postal services.

This development follows closely on the heels of President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a new 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, effectively ending a duty-free status for goods valued at $800 or less—a policy that has greatly benefited Chinese e-commerce businesses such as Shein and Temu.

These companies have been using this exemption to send a large volume of low-cost goods to the U.S. market.

U.S. officials have expressed concerns that the high volume of parcels was making it difficult to inspect for counterfeit or illegal items.

“Trump’s tariff changes are especially significant for goods that were previously shipped via e-commerce directly from China to the US,” explained Deborah Elms, a trade expert.

In retaliation, China has introduced new tariffs on U.S. goods, which will start from February 10.

The new tariffs include a 15% tax on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tax on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars.

As both nations engage in this tit-for-tat trade conflict, there is an anticipation of upcoming talks between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The international community watches closely, hoping these discussions might de-escalate the growing economic strain.