Hong Kong has suspended its postal services to the US amid a trade dispute with President Donald Trump’s administration, citing ‘bullying’ US tariffs. The move affects shipments of goods from Hong Kong to the US, with residents and businesses advised to prepare for potential exorbitant fees.
A postal worker handles packages at Hong Kong’s general post office. The city’s postal service says it is suspending the shipping of US-bound goods amid the tariffs war with Donald Trump.
The Hongkong Post, also known as the Hong Kong General Post Office, is responsible for providing postal services in Hong Kong.
Established in 1847, it has a long history of innovation and efficiency.
The post office offers various services, including mail delivery, money transfer, and package shipping.
It also operates multiple post offices across the territory, with over 200 locations.
In recent years, the Hongkong Post has expanded its services to include online bill payments, parcel tracking, and e-commerce solutions.
Hong Kong Halts Postal Service for US-Bound Goods Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Photograph: Lam Yik/Reuters
Hong Kong has suspended its postal services to the US, citing ‘bullying’ US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump‘s administration.
The United States imposed tariffs on imported goods from several countries, including China, Canada, and the European Union, during Donald Trump's presidency.
The tariffs were implemented to protect American industries and workers by reducing trade deficits and promoting domestic production.
Key sectors affected included steel, aluminum, and agriculture.
Tariffs ranged from 10% to 25%, depending on the product and country of origin.
Critics argued that tariffs would lead to higher consumer prices and retaliatory measures from other countries.
Impact on Hong Kong Residents and Businesses
When sending items to the US, people in Hong Kong ‘should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees due to the US’s unreasonable and bullying acts,’ Hong Kong Post said in a statement. The post office will definitely not collect any tariffs on behalf of the US.
Background to the Suspension
Hong Kong Post said its suspension was due to the US government‘s elimination of the ‘de minimus’ exemption and the increase in tariffs for postal items from Hong Kong containing goods to the US from 2 May. This decision follows a long-standing trade dispute between the two countries, which has seen China, as a major trading partner of Hong Kong, also subject to similar tariffs.
Hong Kong has been subjected to the same tariffs as China, according to a US government notice. The city’s special administrative region status under US law was ended in 2020 due to China‘s imposition on the former British colony of a sweeping national security law, drawing criticism from the US and leading to its financial hub‘s loss of special status.
The relationship between Hong Kong and China dates back to 1842 when the First Opium War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Nanking.
This treaty ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain, establishing it as a British colony.
In 1997, the UK transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to China under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Today, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China with its own economy and laws.
However, tensions persist due to concerns about Beijing's increasing influence in the territory.
Exemptions for Certain Postal Items
Other postal items containing documents only, without goods, would not be affected by the suspension. However, Hong Kong residents and businesses are advised to prepare for potential exorbitant fees when sending items to the US.
