After an initial suspension, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has reversed its decision and announced it will continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Earlier this week, the USPS had temporarily halted the acceptance of inbound parcels from the Chinese mainland and the HKSAR, causing confusion among retailers and shippers. The suspension did not affect letters and flats.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the United States to refrain from politicizing trade and economic issues and to stop unjustly targeting Chinese companies. Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China’s commitment to safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of its companies.
The HKSAR government also expressed strong disapproval of the USPS’s initial decision and the imposition of an additional 10 percent duty on products from the region. A spokesperson called on the U.S. to rectify the situation promptly.
The abrupt policy changes have left retailers and express shipping firms grappling with uncertainty. While the USPS did not clarify whether the suspension was related to tariff changes announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, it stated that it is working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement the new tariffs with minimal disruption to package delivery.
Industry experts expressed concern over the lack of preparedness and the potential burden on the CBP to handle the surge in small package duties. Kate Muth, executive director of the International Mailers Advisory Group, highlighted the challenges posed by the sudden implementation without the usual rule-making process that allows for adjustment periods.
Major international shippers have pledged to maintain deliveries, but disruptions may still occur as the USPS and CBP navigate the new procedures. FedEx has suspended its money-back guarantee on overseas shipments amid the uncertainties.
Martin Palmer, co-founder of Hurricane Commerce, described the situation as “chaotic,” stressing that there has been “absolutely zero time for anyone to prepare.” Maureen Cori, co-founder of Supply Chain Compliance, called for clear guidance from the government on handling the changes.
