In a strongly worded statement, Hong Kong Post advised residents sending goods to the US to anticipate "exorbitant and unreasonable fees" as a direct consequence of the US's actions. The postal authority explicitly stated its refusal to collect any of these tariffs on behalf of the United States.
This suspension specifically targets postal items containing goods. Mail consisting solely of documents will remain unaffected by these changes.
The decision by Hong Kong Post comes in response to recent policy shifts by the US government. According to a US government notification, Hong Kong, despite its status as a special administrative region of China, has been subjected to the same tariffs levied on mainland China.
More specifically, Hong Kong Post pointed to the US government's elimination of the "de minimus" exemption and an increase in tariffs on postal items containing goods originating from Hong Kong, both set to take effect from May 2nd. The "de minimus" exemption typically allows goods below a certain value to enter a country without being subject to duties and taxes. Its removal, coupled with increased tariffs, would significantly raise the cost of sending goods from Hong Kong to the US via postal services.
Hong Kong has historically maintained its reputation as a free and open trading hub. However, the imposition of a comprehensive national security law by Beijing on the former British colony in 2020 triggered substantial criticism from the United States.
This development ultimately led Washington to revoke Hong Kong's special status under US law, impacting various aspects of the economic relationship between the two entities. The current suspension of goods mail services by Hong Kong Post appears to be a direct consequence of these escalating trade tensions and the resulting tariff policies implemented by the US. This move underscores the growing impact of geopolitical friction on everyday logistical operations and international commerce.