Eric Chan, the chief secretary for administration of Hong Kong, has strongly criticized the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs on imports from Hong Kong, stating that it is "absolutely inconsistent" with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The U.S. decision to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Hong Kong is part of President Donald Trump's broader strategy targeting Chinese goods. This move has strained U.S.-Hong Kong relations, particularly after China enforced a national security law in 2020, leading the U.S. to remove Hong Kong's special trade status. Chan emphasized that the U.S. measures disregard Hong Kong's distinct status as a separate customs territory, which is a crucial aspect of its trading advantage. He expressed the intention to lodge a complaint with the WTO against what he described as an unjust arrangement. The imposition of tariffs also includes the elimination of the "de minimis" duty exemption for packages valued below $800, aimed at reducing fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. However, this has caused confusion among retailers and shipping companies unsure of how to navigate the new tariff rules. Hong Kong plans to file a complaint to the WTO, arguing that the U.S. tariffs are inconsistent with WTO regulations. This move follows a previous WTO ruling in 2020 that declared U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods worth more than $200 billion illegal under WTO rules. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Hong Kong, with the latter seeking to protect its trading status and the former aiming to enforce stricter trade policies.

The situation has also led to disruptions in parcel services, with Hongkong Post temporarily stopping acceptance of U.S.-bound parcels due to the U.S. Postal Service's suspension and subsequent reversal of inbound parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong. Chan's comments underscore the need for clarity and consistency in trade policies, emphasizing that the constant changes in U.S. policies cause inconvenience to individuals and businesses. The WTO's Most Favoured Nation treatment obligation requires members to charge the same tariff on a product for imports from all other WTO trading partners, with some exceptions. The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on Hong Kong imports appears to violate this principle. The dispute is expected to continue, with Hong Kong seeking to rectify the situation through the WTO complaint process.