The move is made due to the longer shipping time required to deliver small parcels sent by surface mail in time to avoid the US tariffs that are coming into effect from May 2, given that Hongkong Post “will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the US”.
Air delivery services will also be suspended starting from April 27.
However, postal items that only contain documents are not affected.
Freda Cheung, who runs an online business that often requires her to send airmail parcels to the United States, said the move will greatly affect her.
“I don’t think I will use other courier services because the tax is too high for me,” she told RTHK.
“So I will reject all US-bound packages.”
Cheung said she will adopt a wait-and-see approach for now, adding that she might consider marketing for other countries like the ones in Europe.
Another resident, Chan, said he felt powerless, even though he only occasionally sends parcels to a friend in the United States.
“With the US imposing tariffs, there’s nothing we can do as Hong Kong has to abide by it too,” he said.
“There’s nothing we can change.
“I’ll still pay the tariffs. There’s no other way.”
A man, Yeung, who sometimes sends parcel to his US relatives, said he will consider using international shipping companies.
However, he will only do so when there is an urgent need as he will have to pay more.
