The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) shocked businesses and shippers this week with a rapid policy U-turn, announcing it would continue accepting inbound mail and packages from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)—just one day after declaring a suspension. 🔄 The reversal left logistics experts scrambling to adapt, with many calling the sudden changes “chaotic” and “unprepared.”
Why the sudden shift? The initial suspension, announced Tuesday, was tied to new U.S. tariffs on small packages from China. But after backlash from Chinese officials and the HKSAR government—which called the move “groundless”—the USPS backtracked. 🇨🇳🇭🇰 A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to “stop politicizing trade issues,” while Hong Kong leaders demanded an “urgent rectification.”
Businesses in limbo: Retailers and shippers say the whiplash decision has caused confusion. “We’re all running around like headless chickens,” admitted Martin Palmer of Hurricane Commerce. 🐔💨 Customs officials now face pressure to collect new tariffs on thousands of small packages, with experts warning of potential revenue losses if enforcement costs outweigh duties collected.
What’s next? Major shippers like FedEx have suspended money-back guarantees on overseas shipments, and delays could ripple through global supply chains. As USPS works with Customs to streamline tariff collection, businesses brace for more turbulence. 🌀 “What we need is clear direction,” said supply chain consultant Maureen Cori.
