The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a temporary suspension on accepting inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong, effective February 4. The decision, which will remain in place until further notice, was confirmed on the USPS website.

Despite the suspension, the postal service clarified that the restriction would not affect the flow of letters and “flats”—large envelopes and periodicals—from China and Hong Kong.

USPS has yet to comment on whether this move is linked to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to end “de minimis” shipments from China and other countries. Under Section 321 of U.S. trade law, the de minimis provision allows low-value goods—typically under $800—to enter the country duty-free.

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Tariffs and de minimis: A shifting trade landscape

Trump’s decision to halt Section 321 de minimis shipments is part of a broader strategy to impose tougher trade restrictions on China, Canada, and Mexico. His administration has introduced an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports and 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, though these measures have been temporarily paused for a month.

China has been a dominant player in de minimis shipments to the U.S. According to a June 2023 report from the U.S. congressional committee on China, nearly half of all packages entering the country under this provision originate from China.

Uncertain impact on consumers and businesses

The USPS suspension could have significant implications for businesses and consumers relying on affordable, direct shipments from China. The de minimis rule has long been a key mechanism for Chinese e-commerce giants and small sellers to ship products directly to American customers at low costs.

As tensions in U.S.-China trade policies continue to escalate, the suspension of inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong raises further questions about the future of cross-border commerce and potential disruptions in global supply chains. Whether this move is a temporary logistical adjustment or a precursor to broader trade restrictions remains unclear.