The American Post Office (USPS) announced a temporary suspension of the acceptance of global parcels from China and Hong Kong — until further notice.
In a message published on Tuesday, the USPS did not state the reason for this decision, but indicated that the flow of letters would not be stopped. After contacting CNN, the US Post Office did not supply any further information on the suspension.
Another Trump decision. The U.S. is holding off receiving packages from China.
This decision was announced only a fewer days after US president Donald Trump signed an executive regulation abolishing the so-called. de minimis threshold. The government so far has allowed shipments of packages worth little than $800 to the United States without the request to pay customs duties and subject them to customs inspections.
New regulations can importantly affect the activities of e-commerce giants, specified as Shein and Thiswhich based their business model on this exception. Facilitation of cross-border trade allowed for a massive influx of inexpensive products to the US, from clothing to household items, which was beneficial for consumers looking for price opportunities.
Services can open and control all packages from abroad
Although no authoritative link has been given between the suspension of acceptance of packages and the presidential regulation, experts point out that the fresh rules may importantly slow down the handling of global shipments to the US.
American Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) has the right to open and control all global packages. In practice, not all consignment is checked, but the abolition of the de minimis threshold can force increased control, which will affect the pace of supply.
It is presently unclear how long it will take to suspend the acceptance of packages from China and Hong Kong and what the consequences for global trade will be.
