Amid an intensifying trade war, Hongkong Post, the postal service in the Chinese city with some degree of autonomy, would no longer handle parcels traveling to or from the United States.
The Hong Kong government highlighted US President Donald Trump’s decision last week to remove the so-called “de minimis” exemption for postal products transported from the city to the US in a statement released Wednesday announcing the decision.
The government said, “The US is unreasonable, bullying, and imposing tariffs abusively.” Because of the irrational and intimidating actions of the US, the people of Hong Kong should be ready to pay outrageous and excessive expenses.
According to a statement released by the Hong Kong government on Wednesday, the postal service will cease to accept parcels shipped by sea immediately and packages sent by air beginning on April 27.
Trump signed an executive order on April 8 that tripled duties on items from China, including Hong Kong, that are valued at less than $800. Currently, the exception has allowed packages under $800 to be free from duties.
Certain commodities were originally supposed to be subject to 30% tariffs on May 2. However, this week, Trump’s most recent executive order increased the rates to 120%, translating to a “per postal item” cost of $100 beginning on May 2 and $200 on June 1.
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