Hong Kong Ceases U.S. Parcel Shipments Amid New Tariff Measures
In a significant development affecting cross-border trade, Hong Kong has decided to halt the shipment of small parcels to the United States. This decision follows Washington’s move to impose a substantial tariff on parcels of lesser value from Hong Kong, as confirmed by government sources on Wednesday.
The United States government recently declared the cessation of a customs exemption that previously allowed small-value parcels from Hong Kong to enter U.S. territory without incurring taxes. Effective May 2, a 120% tariff will be enforced on these parcels. This exemption, known as the “de minimis” threshold, currently permits tax-free entry for shipments valued at less than $800.
Hongkong Post has announced it will cease the collection of tariffs on behalf of the United States, opting instead to suspend the acceptance of non-airmail parcels containing goods destined for the U.S. This suspension takes immediate effect, given the longer transit times associated with sea shipping. Airmail parcels will continue to be accepted until April 27.
In a statement, the government advised, “For sending items to the US, the public in Hong Kong should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees due to the U.S.’s unreasonable and bullying acts.”
Mail consisting solely of documents will still be accepted for shipment to the U.S.
This development places Hong Kong at the center of ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, despite its status as a free port. Although Hong Kong operates under distinct trade and customs regulations from mainland China, the imposition of a national security law by Beijing in 2020 led Washington to treat Hong Kong similarly to mainland China, including the enforcement of a 145% tariff on Chinese imports.
China asserts that the national security law has restored stability to Hong Kong, although it has also effectively suppressed dissent within the city.
—
Read More Michigan News
