USPS Resumes Accepting Inbound Mail From China and Hong Kong: Implications for E-commerce and Trade Relations

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced that it will resume accepting inbound mail from China and Hong Kong, ending a temporary suspension that was in place since February 4, 2025. This decision has significant implications for e-commerce companies, U.S.-China trade relations, and the broader geopolitical landscape.



The suspension of accepting inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong directly affected e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, which relied heavily on USPS for direct-to-consumer shipping from China. This move increased their logistics costs and potentially eroded their price advantage (Cooke, CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies). The resumption of accepting these parcels will likely lead to a decrease in logistics costs for these companies, as they can once again use USPS for cheaper shipping options. However, the increased scrutiny and potential delays may still result in higher logistics costs compared to the pre-suspension period.

The resumption of accepting inbound mail from China and Hong Kong could also have implications for U.S.-China trade relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. The suspension came amidst growing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with the U.S. taking steps to slow down the delivery of international parcels into the U.S. This could be seen as a protectionist measure, further straining U.S.-China relations and potentially impacting other geopolitical dynamics, such as regional security and global trade agreements.

The suspension also led to retaliation from China, which imposed new export controls and added two American firms to its unreliable entities list. The resumption of accepting inbound mail may not necessarily lead to a de-escalation of tensions, as China may continue to retaliate against U.S. actions. However, it could potentially pave the way for more constructive dialogue between the two countries, as the U.S. demonstrates a willingness to engage in trade relations.

In conclusion, the resumption of accepting inbound mail from China and Hong Kong by the USPS will likely have positive implications for e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu, as they can once again use USPS for cheaper shipping options. However, the increased scrutiny and potential delays may still result in higher logistics costs compared to the pre-suspension period. The decision also has potential implications for U.S.-China trade relations and the broader geopolitical landscape, which could be influenced by the U.S.'s willingness to engage in trade relations with China.