In response to the "Hong Kong National Security Law" last year, the United States stipulated that all products exported from Hong Kong should not use the "Made in Hong Kong" label, and must uniformly use "Made in China".
The WTO Dispute Settlement Body set up an expert group at the request of the Hong Kong government and ruled yesterday that the relevant regulations were inconsistent with WTO rules, but the United States responded that it had no intention of withdrawing the regulations.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Qiu Yinghua, said today (22nd) that he has written to the US Trade Representative, urging respect for WTO rulings and recommendations.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington will contact the U.S. Trade Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to request the immediate withdrawal of the regulations.
Qiu Yinghua pointed out that the United States can appeal within 60 days, during which the ruling will not take effect, otherwise the ruling will be passed and implemented. The Hong Kong government will pay close attention to the decision of the United States and take corresponding measures.
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Yau Ying-wah met with major chambers of commerce in Hong Kong this morning, and then collectively met with reporters. She pointed out that the ruling fully affirmed Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs territory, and criticized the US for unilaterally making the "marking of origin" regulation, which ignores international trade rules and is discriminatory. Sexual and extremely unreasonable, politicizing economic and trade issues.
He said that the government referred the dispute to the WTO Dispute Settlement Body at the beginning of 2021. After two years, it finally made a ruling, confirming that the United States violated Article 9, paragraph 1, of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, concerning the most-favored-country-of-origin labeling. Requirements, the WTO expert group has recommended that the United States correct the violations.
Qiu Yinghua pointed out that Hong Kong's export products accounted for only 0.1% of the total trade volume between Hong Kong and the United States. More importantly, it is to defend Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory.
Even if the actual economic impact is slight, it will confuse consumers as to whether "Made in China" or "Made in Hong Kong", and at the same time cause unnecessary trouble for manufacturers to do business.
He emphasized that the "Made in Hong Kong" mark has gained international acceptance and recognition over the years, which not only conforms to the fact that "Hong Kong, China" is a separate customs territory, but also complies with relevant WTO regulations, providing consumers with clear and accurate information on the origin of products.
He pointed out that the unique status of the SAR under "One Country, Two Systems" is endowed by the country through the "Basic Law". The SAR can participate in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization in the name of "Hong Kong, China", and establish mutually beneficial economic and trade relations with various economies in the world. The ruling has clearly refuted the error and Unwarranted opinion.