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Tensions between the United States and China have intensified as both economic giants impose fresh tariffs on each other’s imports, impacting trade worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Beijing criticized Washington on Wednesday after the US Postal Service (USPS) announced a suspension of parcel deliveries from China and Hong Kong. The move could disrupt operations for major e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein.
Adding to the friction, the USPS also eliminated the duty-free exemption for low-value packages under the “de minimis” rule. This exemption previously allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter the US without duties or certain taxes but has faced scrutiny due to rising shipment volumes.
The US Customs and Border Protection agency recently reported that duty-free shipments exceeded $1.36 billion in 2024, raising concerns over enforcement of trade regulations, consumer protection, and intellectual property rights. US officials have pointed to the surge in Chinese-based online retailers like Shein and Temu as a driving factor behind the increase.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, condemned the USPS decision, accusing the US of “politicizing trade and economic issues” and engaging in “unreasonable suppression.” Beijing vowed to take necessary steps to defend the rights of Chinese businesses.
Meanwhile, Washington has been working to tighten “de minimis” rules, arguing that the growing volume of shipments complicates efforts to screen for security risks. However, the USPS did not provide a specific reason for Tuesday’s suspension.
The European Commission also announced new measures on Wednesday to impose fees on e-commerce imports—primarily from China—as part of an effort to curb the influx of potentially harmful products into the EU market.
Tariff Dispute Intensifies
In a retaliatory move, Beijing imposed new tariffs on US energy, vehicles, and equipment just minutes after Washington’s latest round of levies on Chinese goods took effect.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump temporarily suspended tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month after both countries pledged to enhance measures against the smuggling of fentanyl and illegal migration into the US.
China’s new tariffs affect approximately $20 billion worth of American exports—roughly 12% of total US imports into China—whereas Washington’s latest measures impact around $450 billion in Chinese goods.
Additionally, by Wednesday evening, Macau’s postal service also suspended US-bound parcels, further complicating cross-border shipments.
Trump had previously hinted that a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could happen early this week, but on Tuesday, he told reporters at the White House that he was “in no rush.”
