If you've been following the news lately, you might have seen some alarming headlines: "Hong Kong Post stops accepting parcels to the US," "US slashes de minimis exemption," "Tariffs on the rise." And if you're a business that relies on getting products from Asia to American customers, those headlines might have sent a chill down your spine.
So here's the million-dollar question everyone's asking: Is Hong Kong still not shipping to the USA?
Let me give you the short answer first-yes, Hong Kong is absolutely still shipping to the USA. But there's a catch. Some channels have indeed been disrupted, and the rules of the game have changed significantly. If you're still relying on the old ways (like low-cost postal services), you're going to run into serious trouble. If you've switched to international air to USA via professional freight forwarders, however, your supply chain is probably healthier than ever.
Let me walk you through what's really happening, and more importantly, how to keep your goods moving without the headaches.
What Actually Changed-and What Didn't
In April 2025, Hong Kong Post officially suspended its surface and air mail services for goods destined for the US, accepting only document mail. That was a big blow for small parcel shippers who relied on the postal service as their cheap, go-to option. A few weeks later, on May 2, 2025, the US government eliminated the de minimis exemption for goods from China and Hong Kong, meaning shipments valued under USD 800 no longer qualified for duty-free treatment. And starting August 29, 2025, that exemption was effectively eliminated for all countries worldwide.
In plain English: the cheap, slow postal route is dead. And now every shipment-regardless of value-is subject to customs duties.
But here's what didn't change: commercial freight forwarding services, including air cargo, ocean freight, and express couriers, are still operating normally. The major cargo airlines are still flying out of Hong Kong International Airport every single day. Your goods can still get to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and anywhere else in the US within days-not weeks. You just need the right partner to navigate the new terrain.
Why Air Freight Makes More Sense Than Ever
With postal services no longer an option for goods and customs scrutiny at an all-time high, many shippers are discovering that international air to USA freight actually solves more problems than it creates.
Here's why.
First, speed. While postal services could take weeks (and sometimes months) to deliver, air freight gets your goods from Hong Kong to major US hubs like LAX or JFK in 5 to 7 days for express services, or as little as 2 to 5 days for expedited options. When your inventory is sitting in transit, it's not generating revenue. Faster transit means faster turnover and happier customers.
Second, visibility. Unlike a postal package that goes into a black hole once you drop it off, professional air freight forwarding gives you end-to-end tracking. You know exactly where your shipment is at every stage: departure, customs clearance, arrival, final delivery. No more guessing games.
Third-and this is the big one-customs compliance. Since the de minimis exemption is gone, every single shipment now requires proper customs documentation and duty payment. The penalties for getting this wrong are not small. Customs can hold your goods for weeks, slap you with massive fines, or even seize them outright if the paperwork is incorrect.
This is exactly where a lot of shippers have gotten stuck. But it's also where having a reliable logistics partner makes all the difference.
How XMAE Logistics Keeps Your Cargo Moving to the USA
At XMAE Logistics, we've been moving freight out of China for over a decade, and we're not just booking space on planes-we're actively managing every step of the journey. As a government-licensed NVOCC with IATA, FIATA, and FMC approvals, we handle the complexities so you don't have to.
Here's what that actually means for your shipping to the US.
- We take care of customs, so you don't get surprise bills. In today's regulatory environment, customs clearance is where most shipments fall apart. We have local experts who pre-clear your cargo, handle complex duty classifications, and fix issues before they delay you. Whether you need formal entry for high-value goods or simpler clearance for smaller consignments, we get it done right the first time. And if you prefer a hands-off experience, our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service covers everything-freight, customs, duties, and final delivery-so your recipient gets a clean, all-inclusive delivery with zero surprises.
- You see everything in real time. End-to-end visibility isn't just a buzzword for us. You can track your shipment online-port departure, arrival, customs status, final delivery-just like tracking your Uber Eats order. No more chasing for updates or wondering where your cargo is.
- We've got global reach and local know-how. Our network spans over 100 overseas agents, which means we can pivot quickly when a trade lane gets congested. Whether that means shifting volumes to a different US port, mixing ocean and air options for time-sensitive cargo, or finding alternative routes when schedules get messy, we've got options.
- And we actually care whether your shipment arrives on time. This might sound like marketing fluff, but it's not. We treat your cargo like it's our own. You get a dedicated coordinator who knows your shipment history, your deadlines, and your pain points-so you're never stuck explaining the same thing twice. When fuel costs spike or capacity tightens, we don't just pass on the bad news. We work the problem and find a solution.
The Bottom Line
So, back to that original question: is Hong Kong still shipping to the USA?
Yes-absolutely. But the landscape has changed. The days of dropping off a low-value package at the post office and hoping for the best are over. Today, shipping from Hong Kong to the US requires professional handling, proper customs documentation, and a partner who understands the new rules inside and out.
If you're still using postal services, you need a new plan. If you're already working with a freight forwarder who specializes in international air to USA routes and understands the latest tariff regulations, you're in good shape.
And if you're not sure where to start? That's what we're here for. Reach out to XMAE Logistics today for a personalized quote and a straightforward conversation about how we can get your goods to the US-on time, on budget, and without the headaches.
This article is for informational purposes only. Tariff rates and shipping regulations are subject to change. Please consult with your freight forwarder or customs broker for the most up-to-date guidance on your specific shipment.
