Starting on May 2, de minimis shipments from China will be subject to either a 120% tariff or a flat $100 fee per postal item, with the flat fee increasing to $200 on June 1. 

In addition to stoking fears of higher inflation, the Trump administration’s trade policies are elevating anxiety about the economy and labor market. 

Both retailers have also dramatically pulled back on their social media advertising in the U.S. on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok among other platforms.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested tens of thousands of people living in the U.S. without legal status since January, when Trump took office.

Most companies said bringing back supply chains within the U.S. could as much as double their costs, and it would be more cost-effective to relocate them to lower-tariffed countries.

“The U.S. is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively,” the postal service said in a statement posted to the Hong Kong government’s website.

For companies looking to reduce packaging spend, cost-cutting alone is no longer enough. Sustainability must also be a priority. 

Even balanced against elevated levels earlier this year, total 2025 cargo volume could show a net decline of 15% or more unless the situation with tariffs changes.

Prices may rise but, in the absence of price-gouging, they will not rise as much as is currently being trumpeted.

If anything, Trump's delay in some of his tariff plans is extending the uncertainty that has already begun to drag on business and consumer sentiment.