The US Postal Service has halted the acceptance of parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong until further notice, following new rules in the US that close a loophole allowing small packages worth $800 or less to be shipped duty-free. Veuer’s Maria Mercedes Galuppo has the story.
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00:00The U.S. Postal Service has halted the acceptance of parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong
00:06until further notice, following new rules in the U.S. that close the loophole allowing
00:10small packages worth $800 or less to be shipped duty-free.
00:14The suspension only affects parcels, not letters, but no official reason has been provided by
00:20the USPS for the decision.
00:22This move follows growing scrutiny over the rapid rise of small parcel shipments, particularly
00:27from Chinese retailers like Shane and Temu, who have benefited from this tax exemption.
00:32These companies have seen a surge in sales, especially in the fast fashion and low-cost
00:37goods sectors.
00:38This change is part of broader trade measures aimed at addressing the growing flood of low-value
00:43imports.
00:44In the EU, similar steps are being taken, with increased customs checks and investigations
00:50into unsafe products sold by companies like Shane.
00:53While critics argue the loophole gives Chinese retailers an unfair advantage, supporters
00:58say the changes are necessary to protect domestic industries.
01:02The U.S. move also follows the extension of tariffs on Chinese goods under President Trump,
01:07which has sparked retaliatory measures from China.