Ecommerce companies are facing immediate challenges with customs clearance due to these new regulations, raising concerns about their profitability and consumer purchasing behavior.

Analysts predict that the new tariff regime may lead to increased costs for consumers, as additional tariffs and fees will now apply to goods that were previously exempt from import duties.

The halt is expected to significantly impact online retailers such as Shein and Temu, which together account for around 30 percent of daily package shipments to the U.S.

On February 4, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a temporary halt on accepting packages from mainland China and Hong Kong, a move driven by escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

In response to the U.S. actions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that China will take necessary measures to protect its companies and urged the U.S. to cease politicizing trade issues.

The USPS will need to collaborate with Chinese authorities to establish new customs screening procedures due to the sudden changes in regulations.

This situation is ongoing, and further updates are anticipated as the implications of these new regulations unfold.

This decision follows a new order from the Trump administration that eliminated a tariff exemption for low-value goods worth less than $800, which had previously benefited consumers purchasing items directly from abroad.

Amazon may also be affected by these changes, although the company has yet to make a public statement regarding the situation.

Experts warn that increased inspections of packages could lead to significant delays in shipments, as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already struggles with the volume of international packages.

It remains uncertain whether affected companies will increase their stock in U.S. warehouses or pass additional costs onto consumers due to the changes in postal service regulations.

Cindy Allen, an international trade expert, highlighted that a woman's synthetic dress could see a price increase from $5 to significantly higher amounts depending on how retailers respond to the new tariffs.