Hong Kong Post announced on Wednesday that it is halting sea mail services for parcels heading to the United States and will soon suspend airmail shipments containing merchandise, citing what it described as unfair trade practices by the U.S.
The agency warned that individuals in Hong Kong sending goods to America should expect to be hit with steep charges as a result of what it called unjustified and aggressive policies. “When sending items to the United States, Hong Kong people ‘should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees due to the U.S.’s unreasonable and bullying acts,’” Hong Kong Post said in a statement.
Shipments that only include paperwork or documents — and not physical products — will continue without interruption.
“The U.S. is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively. Hong Kong post will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the U.S.,” the statement added.
According to an official U.S. government bulletin, Hong Kong is now subject to the same trade duties imposed on mainland China.
While Hong Kong was once internationally recognized for its status as a liberal, business-friendly trading port, the passage of a strict national security law by Beijing in 2020 triggered a wave of U.S. condemnation and led to Washington revoking the territory’s special treatment under American law.
Hong Kong Post explained that its decision stems from recent U.S. policy changes — specifically the removal of the “de minimus” exception and higher tariffs scheduled to go into effect on May 2 for goods shipped from Hong Kong.
{Matzav.com}