Hong Kong Post Closes U.S. Goods Shipments Due to “Bullying” Tariff Increase

Hong Kong Post calls the action “unreasonable and bullying” and suspends all mail carrying commodities to the United States in response to the new tariff policy.

A significant interruption is about to occur in the shipping of goods from Hong Kong to the United States.

Citing recent shifts in U.S. trade policy that significantly raise tariffs on arriving products and abolish duty-free allowances, Hongkong Post has said it will cease all postal services concerning goods headed for the U.S.

The agency stated in a statement today that it is not only unfair but also sudden that the U.S. government has decided to stop the “de minimis” duty-free designation for small-value items on May 2. In its criticism of the United States’ “unreasonable, bullying, and abusive” use of tariffs, Hongkong Post made it clear that it would not collect such payments on behalf of the United States.

Consequently, airmail services will no longer accept packages carrying commodities beginning April 27, and the suspension of surface mail shipments containing goods went into force immediately on April 16.

Only documents that don’t contain commodities are exempt from the suspension. Hongkong Post stressed that regular business will continue to be conducted for mail that contains non-merchandise items or papers.

Beginning on April 22, the postal service will contact customers who have previously sent surface mail parcels containing products that haven’t left Hong Kong to arrange returns and handle postage reimbursements.

Residents of Hong Kong were also cautioned by the agency to expect higher expenses if they decide to ship their goods to the United States using other means because the new tariff structure is expected to result in much higher rates.

Those who require additional information are being directed to Hongkong Post’s customer helpline.