AssetID: 54488710
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: US Postal Service Suspends China Parcels After Trump Tariffs
Caption: US Postal Service Suspends China Parcels After Trump Tariffs. The US Postal Service (USPS) has announced it will no longer accept parcels from China and Hong Kong, though regular letter deliveries remain unaffected. The agency did not provide an official explanation, but the move follows a policy change that eliminates a tax exemption for small packages valued under $800. Under new trade measures introduced by President Donald Trump, all Chinese imports, including clothing and toys, are now subject to a 10% tariff. Shein, Temu, and other Chinese e-commerce giants had been using the de minimis rule to send goods to US customers without paying import duties, a practice that drew criticism from domestic retailers. In response to the new tariffs, China has announced its own trade restrictions, including a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a 10% duty on agricultural equipment, crude oil, and large vehicles starting 10 February. UK retailer Monsoon & Accessorize CEO Nick Stowe welcomed the crackdown, arguing that Chinese brands had exploited the exemption to gain an unfair advantage over US and European competitors. According to trade expert Deborah Elms, Trump's policy shift particularly affects businesses that relied on direct shipping from China, making those products significantly more expensive. A 2023 Congressional report found that nearly half of all packages entering the US tax-free under the de minimis exemption originated from China, fueling concerns over illegal shipments. Trump had been expected to hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but on Tuesday he stated that he is "in no rush" to engage in negotiations. The USPS has yet to provide additional details regarding its suspension of China-bound parcels, and the BBC has reached out for further clarification Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,USPS,United States,Postal Service,US Mail,Deliveries,Letters,China,Hong Kong,Explanation,Valued,Packages,Tax,Exemption,Small,Trade Measures,Customers,Chinese,Imports,President,Donald Trump,Duties
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