Published on: February 5, 2025 / update from: February 5, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
USA stops packages from China and Hong Kong - Shein, Aliexpress (Alibaba) and Temu are affected - Image: Xpert.digital
Sudden stop - trading policy escalated: USPS is posting package acceptance from China
USPS exposes parcel acceptance from China and Hong Kong
The US post (USPS) made a far-reaching decision on February 4, 2025: the acceptance of packages from China and Hong Kong will be exposed until further notice. This measure, which only affects parcel shipments, while letters and major letters continue to find their way to recipients, is a direct result of the tightened trading policy, which has been rekindled under the aegis of the Trump government.
Background of the decision
The background of this drastic decision are complex and complex. At its core, the escalating argument in the trade dispute between the USA and China, which has achieved a new dimension through the reintroduction and tightening of tariffs.
A central point is the introduction of 10 percent tariffs to all Chinese imports from the above date. This measure alone would have had a noticeable effects, but the actual explosive force only unfolds in conjunction with the factual abolition of the so-called "de Minimis" regulation. To date, this regulation made it possible for packages to be introduced to the USA with a goods value of less than $ 800. This spacious border had developed into a loophole that was used intensively by e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, in order to send goods to the USA inexpensive and without additional loads.
Operative challenges for the USPS
The combination of new tariffs and the loss of the "de Minimis" regulation presented the USPS with massive operational challenges. The sudden flood of customs handling, which is now required for each individual package, far exceeds the capacities of the US post. Each package must be checked in detail, evaluated, evaluated and documented with the corresponding customs fees. This process is time -consuming, personnel -intensive and requires a sophisticated logistics that the USPS cannot have in the short time.
Effects on companies and consumers
The direct effects of these trade measures are diverse and affect both companies and consumers. E-commerce giants such as Shein, Temu, Aliexpress and countless other Chinese dealers are faced with significant problems. Your programs are either blocked, are massively delayed or, in the worst case, are even sent back to the sender. This leads to frustration among customers, loss of sales among dealers and a general uncertainty in online trading. Packages already on the way float in a state of uncertainty and could also be affected by the new provisions.
Reactions to the financial markets
On the stock exchanges, too, there were significant reactions immediately after the measure became known. Chinese tech shares, especially Alibaba and JD.com, recorded noticeable price losses. Investors reacted nervously to the impending losses in sales and the increasing uncertainty in the trade environment. The courses gave up by 2 and 5 percent, which reflects the concern before cooling the Chinese economy.
Remote measures China
In turn, the Chinese government promptly reacted to the US measures and announced its own tariffs to US goods. Coal, liquid gas and crude oil are affected, among other things, to which tariffs of 15 and 10 percent are now being charged. This step illustrates that China is not willing to accept the US trade policy without a fight and be willing to take retaliation.
The decision of the USPS is valid for the time being indefinitely. A concrete end date was not mentioned, which further increases uncertainty. The measure applies exclusively to packages, while letters, magazines and major letters continue to be promoted without restrictions.
The decision of the USPS and the underlying trading policy are highly controversial and polarize the minds. Proponents argue that the measures are necessary to protect US industries, to counter the unfair trade practices of China and to contain the smuggling of dangerous substances such as fentanyl. Critics, on the other hand, warn of serious negative effects on global supply chains, increasing consumer prices and an escalation of the trade conflict, which would ultimately damage everyone involved. They point out that the new tariffs and trade restrictions directly burden consumers in the USA because imported goods become more expensive. They also fear that the measure could continue to burden economic relationships between the USA and China and lead to permanent alienation.
Another aspect that comes up again and again in the public debate is the question of competitive fairness. The "de Minimis" regulation was perceived by many as unjust because they gave foreign dealers an unfair advantage over US companies that were more affected by the customs regulations. The abolition of this regulation should therefore contribute to a fairer competition and help US companies to position themselves better on the market.
The effects of this decision will be shown in the coming weeks and months. It remains to be seen whether the USPS will be able to increase their capacities and make customs clearance more efficient. It is just as uncertain how the Chinese government will react to the US measures and whether further retaliation measures can be expected. However, one thing is certain: the trade conflict between the USA and China has reached a new escalation level that will have far -reaching consequences for the global economy.
In short & scarce
In addition to Temu and Alibaba (or his daughter Aliexpress), the parcel stop of the US post affects all Chinese e-commerce platforms and retailers who send goods from China to the USA. The following actors are specifically affected:
Directly affected companies
- Shein: The fashion dealer intensively used the "de Minimis" regulation for duty-free deliveries.
- Aliexpress (part of the Alibaba Group): Shipments are also blocked.
- Other Chinese dealers: Independent sellers on Amazon, Ebay and other platforms, they were sent directly from China.
Indirect effects
-American platforms: Amazon and Ebay have to accept gaps in offers because many of their third-party providers deliver Chinese goods.
- Logistics company: The USPS sees itself unable to deal with customs clearance for millions of packages suddenly subject to customs.
background
The measure particularly affects companies that previously used the "de Minimis" gap (duty-free import below $ 800). Almost half of all such programs came from China. The stop applies to all parcel shipments, regardless of the value of the goods, while letters are still being processed.
Suitable for:
We are there for you - advice - planning - implementation - project management
☑️ Our business language is English or German
☑️ NEW: Correspondence in your national language!
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve you and my team as a personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) . My email address is: wolfenstein ∂ xpert.digital
I'm looking forward to our joint project.