Hong Kong slams new Trump tariff on Chinese imports, says ‘rectify wrongdoing’

Hong Kong government says imposition of additional 10 per cent tariff is ‘grossly inconsistent’ with WTO rules

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Hong Kong authorities are studying whether Donald Trump’s latest order to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports includes the city. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 8:59pm, 4 Mar 2025Updated: 7:23am, 5 Mar 2025

Hong Kong has slammed the United States’ imposition of a cumulative 20 per cent tariff on the city’s products, calling the move “grossly inconsistent” with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

The government expressed “strong disapproval” following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an additional 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports effective at 12.01am on Tuesday, adding to the 10 per cent he levied a month ago.

“The US’ measure is grossly inconsistent with the relevant World Trade Organization rules, undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system and harms the interest of both parties,” a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

“The [Hong Kong] government once again urges the US to take immediate actions to rectify its wrongdoing and withdraw the unilateral tariff measures.”

The spokesman said the government strongly opposed any unreasonable behaviour that disregarded the international trade order.

“As announced earlier, the [Hong Kong] government will file a complaint regarding the matter with the WTO to defend our legitimate rights,” he added.

Trump’s latest move follows his threat to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on Chinese exports to the US, on top of the extra 10 per cent levy introduced last month, while accusing Beijing of failing to curb the flow of fentanyl into the country.