HK to file complaint with WTO over US tariff hike

The SAR government is preparing to file a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding US tariffs, said Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah on Saturday.

His comments came after the US imposed an additional 20 percent duty on goods from Hong Kong, the same as for mainland China.

Speaking to a radio program this morning, the commerce chief said the United States' imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods is unjustified.

He emphasized that Hong Kong, as a separate customs territory, considers it erroneous and illegal to equate Hong Kong goods with those from mainland China, which also violates WTO rules.

Yau said the SAR government has decided to file a complaint with the WTO and will enhance support for local businesses.

Meanwhile, Yau mentioned that the trade volume between the US and Hong Kong reached HK$270 billion over the past decade. 

In 2023, there were 1,390 US companies in Hong Kong, with the figure increasing by 52 in 2024. Conversely, Hong Kong's trade volume and exports to the US are relatively low, he said.

He emphasized that Hong Kong's import and export growth is promising, and efforts will be made to seek cooperation with other economies for small and medium-sized enterprises. Businesses are also diversifying production locations outside Hong Kong as a response.