The Government today held a seminar at the Central Government Offices to exchange views with around 100 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and Hong Kong SAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the subject of the unjustified imposition of tariffs by the US.

The seminar aimed to address the risks posed by what the Government sees as bullying and barbaric actions by the US and to unite all sectors in analysing and seizing opportunities in the new international trade order.

Chief Executive John Lee stated at the seminar that the recent imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” by the US on multiple countries and regions seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and recklessly undermines the international trade order.

He said that the move by the US to impose a 145% tariff on Hong Kong, which has zero tariffs, is fallacious and violates logic. The Government has issued several stern statements expressing its strong disapproval and urging the US to cease disrupting free trade.

Participants in the seminar agreed that the US tariffs represent a bullying disruption to the global trade order, severely impacting the global supply chains that many countries have worked hard to establish over the past few decades. They resolved that Hong Kong will not yield and will take the attitude of turning a crisis into an opportunity. Hong Kong, they determined, must maintain confidence, stand shoulder to shoulder with the Mainland, grasp the emerging new order, explore new trade frontiers, safeguard economic security, and promote economic upgrading and transformation.

Hong Kong SAR deputies to the NPC and Hong Kong SAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC will leverage influence in their respective roles, consolidate strength, and play a driving role in restructuring the trade order. They will also provide advice to the Government to jointly navigate the long battle ahead.

The Government said it is fully committed to leading society in a spirit of unity and co-operation, strengthening regional trade collaboration, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, exploring emerging markets, and driving the sustainable development of Hong Kong.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Acting Secretary for Transport & Logistics Liu Chun-san and Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan also attended the seminar.