In a whirlwind of confusion, the US Postal Service (USPS) temporarily halted all inbound packages from China and Hong Kong following the Trump administration’s new tariffs aimed at low-value shipments. This abrupt suspension disrupted personal deliveries and online orders from popular platforms like Alibaba, Temu, and Shein. ❌
However, by Wednesday morning, USPS reversed its decision, stating that it is collaborating with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement a more efficient collection mechanism for the new tariffs, aiming to minimize delivery disruptions. But with inspections now in place, uncertainty looms over potential delays. ⚠️
The e-commerce landscape was thrown into disarray, with reports of trucks being turned away at the US-Canada border. One trucking company owner described the process as laborious, with CBP conducting random checks on packages.
Previously, low-value shipments below $800 were exempt from tariffs, but now, Chinese importers face a cumulative tax burden, including a 16% regular tariff and additional duties. Experts are concerned about how these changes will affect prices for consumers.
