Call to reverse tariffs move as it 'harms interests of all parties'

Cheng Wong

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah has urged the United States to promptly reverse its decision to impose 10 percent tariffs on Chinese exports as it "harms the interests of all parties involved."

Yau said the Hong Kong government strongly condemns the United States' erroneous actions, including ignoring Hong Kong's status as a separate member of the World Trade Organization.

He said trade should be mutually beneficial and that there would be no winners in a trade war.

Yau underscored Hong Kong's close economic ties with America, which has a trade surplus of over US$270 billion (HK$2.1 trillion) with the city in the past decade, reflecting that it enjoys significant economic interests in the region.

In recent years, Yau said many Hong Kong businesses have changed supply chain strategies and diversified production locations amid shifts in international trade.

He indicated the government is actively exploring emerging markets to help local enterprises develop trade relations and plans to examine whether Washington violated WTO agreements and would take follow-up actions.

Regarding the US Postal Service's inconsistent stance on suspending packages from China and Hong Kong, Yau said Hongkong Post would take appropriate actions and communicate with the United States promptly.

USPS made an abrupt U-turn and resumed accepting international shipments from China and Hong Kong less than 24 hours after announcing a suspension.

Hong Kong Shippers' Council chairman Willy Lin Sun-mo likened the whole process to a roller-coaster ride.

"How will customs duties be managed? Is the 10 percent duty charged to the purchaser or is the sending company responsible?" he asked.

Lin estimated that there will still be uncertainties in the short term, depending on the actions of US Customs and Border Protection.

At the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Michael, an Australian resident in Hong Kong, criticized the US for abrupt policy changes. "President [Donald] Trump seems determined to get his way. If he doesn't, he resorts to sanctions and tariffs - it's nothing short of bullying," he said.

Concerns about the confusion surrounding these changes were echoed by those at the General Post Office in Central.

Resident Cheung said: "It's so chaotic and confusing. We had no information until we arrived at the post office. If we can't send our packages, we'll turn to private companies instead."

Another local, named Wong, said US decision-making is "childish."

Staff at the office said: "We have received instructions to continue accepting packages bound for the US, but recipients will now be informed about the customs duties. All packages must go through customs as before."

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com