U.S. President Donald Trump has upended the international postal system, marking a seismic shift for global e-commerce and cross-border trade. The move, announced Friday, ends decades of ultra-low shipping rates that fueled an online shopping boom by enabling consumers to purchase inexpensive goods directly from overseas sellers.
Analysts say the policy change could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses reliant on affordable international logistics. Small-scale exporters in Asia, particularly those leveraging platforms like AliExpress and Amazon, may face steeper competition as shipping fees rise.
While U.S. officials framed the decision as addressing trade imbalances, critics warn it risks inflaming tensions with key Asian trading partners. The development follows Trump's earlier trade policy maneuvers targeting China and other nations.
The shift comes amid growing scrutiny of global postal agreements, which critics argue disadvantage Western economies. CGTN's Owen Fairclough reports the changes could reshape consumer behavior and accelerate regional manufacturing realignments across Asia.
