Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary, Eric Chan, announced that the city will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization over recent U.S. tariffs.
He argued that the U.S. has disregarded Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs territory.
“This is absolutely inconsistent with the WTO rules. Of course, they have totally disregarded Hong Kong is a separate customs territory,” Chan, the China-ruled city’s number two official, told reporters.
“We will file a complaint to the WTO regarding this unreasonable arrangement,” he said without giving specifics.
Chan’s remarks come in response to the U.S. decision to impose a 10% tariff on Hong Kong goods, aligning with broader trade measures against China.
These tariffs, initially introduced under President Donald Trump, reflect Washington’s stance that Hong Kong should no longer be treated separately from China in trade matters.
Additionally, the U.S. Postal Service briefly suspended inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong last week before reversing the decision.
The temporary suspension of parcels from China and Hong Kong by the U.S. Postal Service added to the uncertainty surrounding the new tariffs.
“All I can say is the policies are mercurial,” said Chan.
Trump’s move to end the de minimis duty exemption for packages under $800 is part of a broader effort to curb fentanyl and precursor chemical shipments into the U.S.
This change, along with new tariffs, directly impacts Hong Kong, which has long been a major trading hub.
The U.S. decision to revoke Hong Kong’s special trade status in response to China’s 2020 national security law marked a turning point in U.S.-Hong Kong relations.
It effectively aligned Hong Kong with mainland China in U.S. trade policy, fueling ongoing economic and diplomatic tensions.
