Hong Kong exports to slow in rest of 2025, industrial leader Wingco Lo says

Hong Kong exports are expected to slow in the second half of this year, Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong president Wingco Lo Kam-wing said, less than a week away from the deadline of US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs.”

During the 90-day pause on the tariffs, Hong Kong manufacturers that are members of the associations have already completed orders as early as possible and sped up shipment, Lo told reporters at a media lunch on Wednesday (Jul 2).

He anticipated slower exports activities in the rest of this year, but stopped short of giving estimated figures due to policy uncertainties.

“Even though the tariffs were lowered after trade talks between China and the United States, many other levies for specific products or industries remained, maintaining a tariff level that is not low to us,”

The industry has already prepared supply chains across multiple regions, including a visit to four Middle Eastern countries last month, and plans to diversify its markets into places like South America, Belt and Road nations, as well as the Global South, Lo added.

Trump sent shockwaves across the globe when he imposed tariffs of as high as 50 percent on nearly every country in April, before announcing a 90-day pause in a reverse a week later. He indicated on Tuesday the deadline on July 9 will not be further delayed.

At the luncheon, the CMA unveiled a series of exhibitions it lined up for the second half of this year, including the 31st Hong Kong International Education and Careers Expo taking place from Saturday to Sunday.

Lo expressed confidence about the attendance at this year’s exhibitions, citing a positive response from participating businesses, with exhibitor slots at the Shopping Festival from August 1 to 4 nearly fully booked.

“Although the retail sector is facing significant challenges, the average spending per capita is lowered, we hope as more tourists come and more people visit our exhibitions, this can offset the spending patterns.”

Lo said the CMA will keep innovating its event offerings to drive economic growth and highlight Hong Kong’s distinctive character to international visitors.

The expo, held at the Exhibition and Convention Centre this weekend, will bring together over 1,000 educational institutes and consulting firms from over 20 countries and regions while offering over 2,000 jobs.

This event also features participation from six consulates general, from France, Germany, Portugal, Belarus, Austria, and South Africa. Attendees can connect with experts, test out AI-powered mock interviews and access over 40 free seminars.

(Jamie Liu)