September 16, 2020

Hong Kong Formally Objects to U.S. Demand for “Made in China” Export Label

Hong Kong has filed a formal objection with the United States over its demand for “Made in China” labels on goods exported from the Chinese semi-autonomous city, the commerce secretary said on Wednesday.

Washington’s move last month followed China’s imposition of a national security law on the former British colony and a U.S. decision to end a special status that had allowed Hong Kong different treatment from the rest of China.

Commerce Secretary Edward Yau said he formally asked the U.S. consulate to relay Hong Kong’s request for withdrawal of the new regulations to U.S. trade officials.

“Such regulations go contrary to WTO (World Trade Organization) regulations and infringe upon our rights as a separate customs region,” Yau told reporters. “We are a separate, and indeed, independent member of the WTO.”

The United States has extended until Nov. 9 its enforcement deadline on the “Made in China” label, from Sept. 25 previously.

(Source: The Chronicle Herald)