Hong Kong: Hong Kong's postal service has announced an immediate suspension of package handling to and from the United States as tensions between Washington and Beijing intensify over President Donald Trump's "retaliatory" tariffs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hongkong Post declared it will cease accepting US-bound surface mail items immediately, with air mail services following suit from April 27. This decision comes in response to Washington's move to eliminate "duty-free de minimis treatment" for postal items dispatched from Hong Kong to the US. Additionally, tariffs for postal items containing goods to the US are set to increase starting May 2.

In its statement, Hongkong Post criticized the US for being "unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively," and affirmed it would not collect any tariffs on behalf of the US. Consequently, postal services for items containing goods destined for the US will be suspended.

For surface mail items not yet shipped, Hongkong Post will contact senders to arrange for returns and refunds. The government has also warned the public to prepare for "exorbitant and unreasonable fees" when sending items to the US, though postal items containing only documents will remain unaffected.

Last week, President Trump announced an increase in tariffs on small parcels sent from mainland China and Hong Kong to the US, raising them from 90% to 120%. Currently, US tariffs on products from China, including Hong Kong, have surged to 245%, while China's retaliatory duties on American imports are at 125%.