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US Postal Service stops accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong | US Postal Service stops accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong |
(31 minutes later) | |
The US Postal Service (USPS) says it has temporarily stopped accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong. | The US Postal Service (USPS) says it has temporarily stopped accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong. |
Letters will not be affected by the suspension, according to a statement on the company's website, external. | Letters will not be affected by the suspension, according to a statement on the company's website, external. |
USPS said the suspension will be in place "until further notice" and did not offer a reason for the decision. | USPS said the suspension will be in place "until further notice" and did not offer a reason for the decision. |
It comes after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on all goods imported to the US from China. | It comes after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on all goods imported to the US from China. |
Trump's executive order eliminated an exemption that allowed goods worth $800 (£641) or less to enter the US without having to pay duties or certain taxes. | Trump's executive order eliminated an exemption that allowed goods worth $800 (£641) or less to enter the US without having to pay duties or certain taxes. |
The so-called "de minimis" tax loophole faced increased scrutiny in recent years as Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu to reach millions of US customers. | The so-called "de minimis" tax loophole faced increased scrutiny in recent years as Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu to reach millions of US customers. |
In response China said it would implement tariffs on some US imports. | |
From 10 February coal and liquefied natural gas products (LNG) will face a 15% levy. Crude oil, agricultural machinery and large-engine cars will be subject to a 10% tariff. | |
President Trump is expected to speak to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the coming days. | President Trump is expected to speak to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the coming days. |
"Trump's tariff changes are especially sharp if goods were previously shipped via e-commerce directly from China to the US," said trade expert Deborah Elms. | "Trump's tariff changes are especially sharp if goods were previously shipped via e-commerce directly from China to the US," said trade expert Deborah Elms. |
Close to half of all parcels entering the US under de minimis were sent from China, according to a 2023 report by the US Congressional committee on China. | Close to half of all parcels entering the US under de minimis were sent from China, according to a 2023 report by the US Congressional committee on China. |
US officials have pointed out that the large flow of parcels entering the country through this exemption made it increasingly difficult to screen them for possible illegal goods. | US officials have pointed out that the large flow of parcels entering the country through this exemption made it increasingly difficult to screen them for possible illegal goods. |
The BBC has contacted USPS to request more details about the decision. |