Hong Kong Country of Origin to End, All HK Goods Will Be Chinese
President Donald Trump issued an executive order ending Hong Kong's special trade status on July 14. As a result, goods imported from Hong Kong must be marked “Made in China.” The action comes about six weeks after Trump warned the change was coming.
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However, the volume of goods imported to the U.S. from the city is small. According to Census Bureau data, the total volume of goods imported from Hong Kong in 2019 was $4.7 billion. There was a jump in imports this spring, as companies anticipated the change as Beijing discussed tightening its control over the territory. So between January and May, $5.3 billion worth of goods was imported.
In an unofficial translation of a July 15 statement, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized Trump’s signing of the bill and said it will retaliate. “We urge the US side to correct its mistakes, not to enforce the so-called 'Hong Kong Autonomy Act,' and stop interfering in Hong Kong and other internal affairs of China in any way. If the U.S. side insists on going in the wrong direction, China will respond resolutely.”
Correction: The July 14 executive order ending Hong Kong's special trade status doesn't result in Hong Kong goods being subject to Section 301 duties and antidumping and countervailing duties.