The US Postal Service (USPS) has ceased accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong “until further notice,” as fresh rules have shut a loophole allowing duty-free imports of low-value goods.
The suspension comes amid rising tensions between the US and China, sparked by former President Donald Trump’s announcement of an extra 10% tariff on all imports from the country.
A policy known as “de minimis” previously permitted parcels worth under $800 (approximately £640) to enter the US tax-free. Chinese fast-fashion giants such as Shein and Temu have used this exemption to fuel explosive growth, shipping inexpensive items to millions of US customers without incurring customs charges. Similar de minimis rules also apply in the UK, where the import threshold is £135, and within the EU for goods below €150 (£124).
However, surging parcel volumes—half of which originate from China—have prompted officials to clamp down, citing heightened risks of illegal or unregulated goods slipping through customs. USPS said letters remain unaffected by its suspension but declined to provide a detailed explanation.
The shift in US policy echoes similar moves around the globe. The EU has announced plans to strengthen checks on goods from e-commerce sites, naming Shein and Temu as liable for any unsafe or substandard products sold on their platforms. It has also launched a coordinated probe into Shein’s compliance with European consumer laws.
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