USPS Lifts China-Hong Kong Shipping Ban After Just One Day/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reversed its one-day ban on inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong, lifting the restriction without explanation. The ban was initially imposed after the Trump administration ended a key trade exemption and added new tariffs on Chinese goods. The sudden reversal spares e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu from shipping disruptions and potential price hikes.
USPS’ China Mail Ban Reversal: Quick Looks
- Ban Imposed, Then Lifted: USPS briefly halted shipments from China and Hong Kong, citing trade rule changes.
- New Tariffs Triggered Move: The ban followed a 10% tariff increase and the end of a customs exemption for small parcels.
- E-Commerce Impact: Companies like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress rely on cheap postal rates to maintain low prices.
- No Explanation Given: USPS has not publicly explained why it suspended or lifted the ban.
- What’s Next? Consumers may see delays and price hikes as retailers adjust to new trade policies.
USPS Lifts China-Hong Kong Shipping Ban After Just One Day
Deep Look
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) abruptly reversed its ban on inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong just one day after announcing the restriction. The initial ban, imposed on Tuesday, was linked to the Trump administration’s new trade policies targeting Chinese imports, but USPS has offered no official explanation for why the decision was quickly overturned.
What Triggered the USPS Ban?
On Tuesday, USPS announced it would stop accepting packages from China and Hong Kong. This came after the U.S. government ended the “de minimis” customs exemption, which had allowed low-value packages (under $800) to enter the U.S. duty-free.
The exemption’s removal was part of a broader executive order imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, in an effort to counter Beijing’s trade practices.
With over 4 million “de minimis” imports processed each week, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the change was expected to cause major disruptions for Chinese e-commerce retailers like:
- Shein (fast fashion)
- Temu (discount goods, owned by PDD Holdings)
- AliExpress (owned by Alibaba)
These companies heavily rely on USPS’ affordable international shipping rates to send small, direct-to-consumer packages to U.S. shoppers.
Why USPS Reversed the Ban
USPS did not give a reason for the policy reversal, only stating that it would continue accepting all international mail and packages from China and Hong Kong.
However, industry analysts speculate the sudden reversal may be due to:
- Backlash from retailers and consumers over potential shipping delays and price hikes.
- Coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement tariff collections without disrupting deliveries.
- Pressure from lawmakers and trade officials concerned about broader economic impacts.
E-Commerce Giants React
The temporary USPS ban raised concerns for Chinese e-commerce brands, which have seen explosive growth in the U.S.
According to the Congressional Research Service, Chinese exports of low-value packages soared to $66 billion in 2023, compared to just $5.3 billion in 2018.
- Temu and Shein account for 17% of the U.S. discount fashion market, shipping millions of packages per year.
- AliExpress, another major player, also took advantage of the “de minimis” loophole to bypass tariffs.
Neither Shein nor Temu has commented on the USPS reversal, but both companies work with private couriers like FedEx and UPS, meaning they have backup options if USPS shipments are disrupted.
What Happens Next?
Although USPS has lifted its suspension, the new U.S. trade policies remain in place. Analysts predict:
- Potential price increases as Chinese e-commerce retailers adjust to new tariffs.
- Longer shipping times due to potential customs processing delays.
- More scrutiny on Chinese imports, as the U.S. government continues to tighten trade regulations.
With $427 billion in Chinese goods imported to the U.S. in 2023, this policy shift could have lasting effects on global e-commerce and consumer prices.
