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A US Postal Service employee sorts parcels for distribution during the start of the holiday mail rush, on December 3, 2024. Photo: VCG

Responding to media requests for comment on the US Postal Service (USPS) resuming the acceptance of packages sent from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, reversing its suspension just hours ago, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yongqian said at a regular press conference on Thursday that cross-border e-commerce directly meets the personalized needs of consumers, offers fast delivery, and saves costs, which gives it unique advantages and makes it an important trend in the development of international trade.

In a U-turn, the USPS announced in a short notice on Wednesday that effective February 5, it will continue accepting all international inbound mail and packages from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong Posts.  

Earlier on Tuesday, the USPS had announced a temporary suspension of inbound parcels from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong, but clarified that letters and flats would not be affected.    

The MOFCOM spokesperson said on Thursday that recently, the US imposed a 10 percent tariff on Chinese products and adjusted its small value tax exemption policy. This will undoubtedly increase the consumption costs for US consumers and reduce their shopping experience.

Regardless of how a country's trade policies are adjusted, the inherent advantages and characteristics of cross-border e-commerce remain unchanged, and it still has strong competitiveness, He said, noting that the trend of digital development in international trade will not be altered.

The MOFCOM spokesperson expressed the hope that the US will align with the global trend of international trade development, optimize its regulatory approach, and create a fair and predictable policy environment for cross-border e-commerce development, while also providing domestic consumers with a more convenient and high-quality shopping environment.

In a recent interview with local media outlet RTHK, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau said Hongkong Post is actively addressing the issue and investigating specific concerns, including parcel volumes and US handling procedures. 

He assured that Hongkong Post would make appropriate arrangements based on actual conditions to assist the public and engage with US authorities as soon as possible.