US President Donald Trump has further raised tariffs on small parcels sent to the United States from mainland China and Hong Kong to 120 per cent from 90 per cent, as the stand-off between Washington and Beijing escalates.
The increase came just a day after the US administration had tripled that rate from 30 per cent to 90 per cent on small goods, which are currently exempt from duties.
According to an amendment on so-called reciprocal tariffs published by the White House on Thursday, Hong Kong time, the new rate on shipments priced up to US$800 will be 120 per cent of their value, up from the planned levy of 90 per cent.
The per postal item fee will be raised to US$100 from the earlier US$75 after May 2 and US$200 from the planned US$150 after June 1.
Washington earlier accused Chinese online marketplaces such as Temu and Shein of taking advantage of the “de minimis” loophole to send goods to the US duty-free.
Last week, Trump announced the de minimis trade exemption under a rule dating back to the 1930s – a reprieve from import duties for packages from the mainland and Hong Kong valued at US$800 or less – would cease on May 2.
