HONG KONG - Mail services between Hong Kong and the United States are the latest casualty in an escalating trade dispute, with Hong Kong Post announcing it will suspend deliveries of goods as tensions rise over new U.S. tariff rules.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hong Kong Post said it would immediately halt sea mail services carrying goods to the U.S., calling recent American measures "unreasonable and bullying." A suspension of airmail containing goods is also scheduled to begin April 27.

The decision follows Washington's move to end the "de minimis" rule for packages arriving from China and Hong Kong. Starting May 2, shipments under $800 — previously exempt from import duties — will face a 90% tariff or a flat fee of $75.

"When sending items to the U.S., Hong Kong people should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees due to the U.S.' unreasonable and bullying acts," Hong Kong Post said. Shipments containing only documents will not be affected, and the agency emphasized it "will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the U.S."

The U.S. government has justified the rule change by citing the use of small parcels to ship fentanyl and related chemicals into America. According to U.S. Customs data, de minimis imports surged from $9.2 billion in 2016 to $54.5 billion in 2023, with nearly 60% originating from China.

President Donald Trump recently imposed sweeping tariffs totaling 145% on Chinese and Hong Kong imports, as part of an intensifying trade war. In response, China announced 125% tariffs on a wide range of U.S. goods.

Logistics firm DHL told Reuters it would continue to manage Hong Kong-to-U.S. shipments in accordance with "applicable customs rules and regulations" and support customers in adapting to the May 2 changes.

Though Hong Kong has traditionally enjoyed a special trade status with the U.S., that changed after Beijing enacted a national security law in 2020. The U.S. subsequently revoked Hong Kong's special status, placing it under the same trade restrictions as mainland China.