USPS Reverses Course: China and Hong Kong Parcels Accepted Again Amid Shipping Confusion
In a surprising turnaround, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced on Wednesday that it will resume accepting all international inbound mail and packages from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This decision comes just a day after USPS had temporarily halted the acceptance of packages from these regions.
Government Reactions
The initial suspension sparked strong reactions from both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the HKSAR government. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to cease politicizing trade issues and to respect the rights of Chinese companies. Meanwhile, the HKSAR government called for the immediate lifting of the suspension and the removal of an additional 10% duty imposed on products from Hongkong Post.
Impact on Retailers and Shippers
The sudden policy reversal has left retailers and shipping companies scrambling to adjust. Experts point out that the USPS is collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to find efficient ways to collect tariffs on Chinese parcels, aiming to minimize delivery disruptions. However, industry insiders warn that the lack of preparation could lead to a bottleneck in customs processing.
Industry Concerns
\"Everything's happening immediately without preparation,\" said Maureen Cori, co-founder of Supply Chain Compliance. Retailers are facing uncertainty over who will bear the cost of new tariffs, potentially leading to higher prices and delayed shipments. International shippers like FedEx have already suspended their money-back guarantees on overseas shipments as they navigate the changing landscape.
Looking Ahead
While major shippers have committed to maintaining deliveries, the industry remains on edge. The USPS continues to work closely with CBP to streamline tariff collection processes, but the path to normalcy may still be fraught with challenges for global businesses and consumers alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
