Hong Kong condemns US tariffs

It called the move "bullying" and "unreasonable."

The government has expressed its strong disapproval of the United States' decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on Hong Kong goods, effective 2 May.

The U.S. will eliminate the duty-free de minimis treatment for products from Hong Kong and introduce tariffs on covered goods. In a statement, the government condemned the move, calling it "bullying" and "unreasonable."

It further described the action as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and a direct attack on the multilateral trading system, which is fundamental to international trade.

The Hong Kong SAR Government demanded the U.S. retract the tariff measures and confirmed it would take steps to defend Hong Kong’s interests, including filing a WTO complaint if necessary.

Hong Kong, as a free port, has consistently supported and upheld free trade, and has never imposed tariffs on imported goods, including those from the U.S. The government criticized the U.S. imposition of the reciprocal tariff as illogical and unjustified.

As a separate customs territory under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong operates an efficient import and export system, including robust enforcement measures. The government dismissed U.S. claims that the tariff is necessary due to concerns about transshipment and evasion, labeling them as baseless and part of a broader effort to suppress competition.

In 2023, the U.S. was Hong Kong's third-largest trading partner, with a trade value of US$60.3b. The U.S. has had a trade surplus of US$271.5b with Hong Kong over the past decade.

The government also criticised the U.S. for repeatedly changing policies on postal item tariffs. Hongkong Post has asked the U.S. Postal Administration to clarify the situation to avoid public inconvenience.

Until 2 May, Hongkong Post will continue services to the U.S. but will not collect any tariffs on behalf of U.S. authorities.