In a significant escalation of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, Hong Kong Post has announced that it will cease sending goods to the USA by land and sea effective April 16, 2025. The postal service will also suspend air deliveries starting April 27, 2025, marking a dramatic shift in postal operations as the region grapples with the implications of new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.
The decision follows the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who raised tariffs on goods imported from China to 145%. In retaliation, Beijing has increased its tariffs to 125%, further intensifying the trade war that has been unfolding over the past few years. The White House is also considering raising tariffs for Chinese exporters to a staggering 245%, which could have far-reaching consequences for international trade.
According to a statement from Hong Kong Post, the organization will not accept any parcels from the USA, citing the unreasonable behavior of the U.S. government, which it accuses of bullying and imposing unlawful duties. "The USA is behaving unreasonably, bullying, and imposing tariffs unlawfully. Hongkong Post will definitely not accept any so-called tariffs on behalf of the USA," the statement read.
These changes come on the heels of a U.S. announcement that starting May 2, 2025, it will eliminate the duty-free allowance for parcels valued at less than $800, which has been a significant benefit for consumers purchasing goods from platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. This shift is expected to lead to a substantial increase in costs for American consumers, as they will now be liable for new duties on these shipments.
Hong Kong Post clarified that while it will stop accepting parcels containing goods intended for the USA, shipments consisting solely of documents will not be affected by these restrictions. This measure aims to mitigate the impact on essential communications and documentation between the two regions.
John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, has sharply criticized the U.S. measures, accusing Washington of applying "meaningless pressure" on the city and its economy. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Hong Kong's status as a free port, which traditionally has not imposed import duties, even as local goods are now subject to U.S. tariffs.
The postal service's decision to halt shipments to the USA is seen as a direct response to the escalating trade war, which has already disrupted various sectors. The implications of this decision could be profound, affecting not only consumers in the USA but also businesses in Hong Kong that rely on exports to the American market.
As the trade war continues to evolve, analysts are closely monitoring the situation for further developments. The cancellation of the duty-free regime for postal items from China, including Hong Kong, represents a significant shift in trade policy that could have lasting repercussions.
In summary, Hong Kong Post's suspension of goods shipments to the USA is a clear indication of the growing tensions between the two regions. With tariffs on the rise and trade relations deteriorating, the future of international commerce remains uncertain.
