Hong Kong’s postal service announced it will stop shipping small parcels to the United States, following a new U.S. decision to impose steep tariffs on low-value shipments from the city. Starting May 2, the U.S. will end a long-standing exemption—known as the “de minimis” rule—that previously allowed items under $800 in value to enter the country tax-free. These shipments will now face a 120% tariff.
In response, Hongkong Post said it will not act as a tax collector for the U.S. government and will stop accepting non-airmail parcels headed to the U.S. beginning immediately, as sea shipments take longer to arrive. Airmail parcels will still be accepted until April 27. The postal service will continue handling mail that includes only documents.
A statement from the Hong Kong government criticized the U.S. decision, calling it “unreasonable and bullying” and warned local residents to expect “exorbitant and unreasonable fees” when sending goods to America.
This move places Hong Kong in the crossfire of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Though Hong Kong operates as a free port with separate trade and customs policies from mainland China, its status has changed in the eyes of Washington.
Since Beijing imposed a controversial national security law in 2020, the U.S. has treated Hong Kong the same as mainland China in trade matters—meaning goods from the city are now subject to the same 145% tariffs applied to Chinese imports. While Beijing maintains the law restored stability to Hong Kong, it has been widely criticized for eroding freedoms and silencing dissent.