The United States Postal Service has halted all incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong indefinitely, deepening an intensifying trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.
The suspension, which took immediate effect, coincides with US President Donald Trump’s implementation of new tariffs on Chinese goods and the removal of duty-free exemptions for low-value packages.
The measure is expected to significantly impact American consumer purchases from major retailers, including Amazon. Chinese e-commerce giants Shein and Temu accounted for 30% of small packages entering the United States in 2023, according to a US government report.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to the measures, urging the United States to “stop politicising trade and economic issues”.
In response to Trump’s 10% tariff increase on Chinese goods, Beijing announced retaliatory measures including 15% levies on US coal and liquefied natural gas imports, whilst imposing 10% duties on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain vehicles.
China further escalated tensions by introducing export controls on rare metals and chemicals, including tungsten, tellurium, bismuth and molybdenum, and announcing investigations into Google and the US fashion conglomerate that owns Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
Trump, who has made tariffs a cornerstone of his second-term foreign policy, indicated he was “in no rush” to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping despite earlier suggestions of imminent talks.
The postal suspension comes as Trump separately agreed to pause threatened tariffs against Mexico and Canada for 30 days, following commitments from both nations to enhance measures against fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.
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