The US Postal Service (USPS) says it has temporarily stopped accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong.

Letters will not be affected by the suspension, according to a statement on the company’s website.

USPS said the suspension will be in place “until further notice” and did not offer a reason for the decision.

It comes after Donald Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on all goods imported to the US from China.

Trump’s executive order eliminated an exemption that allowed goods worth $800 (£474) or less to enter the US without having to pay duties or certain taxes.

The so-called “de minimis” tax loophole faced increased scrutiny in recent years as Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu to reach millions of US customers.

“Trump’s tariff changes are especially sharp if goods were previously shipped via e-commerce directly from China to the US,” said trade expert Deborah Elms.

US officials have pointed out that the large flow of parcels entering the country through this exemption made it increasingly difficult to screen them for possible illegal goods.

USPS did not immediately reply to a BBC News request for comment.