​In response to the United States (US)'s announcement to impose an additional 10 per cent duty on products of Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (February 7) said that the Government has decided to file a complaint regarding the matter with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
      
     The spokesman said, "The US' measures are grossly inconsistent with the relevant WTO rules and ignore our status as a separate customs territory as stipulated in Article 116 of the Basic Law and recognised by the WTO. The HKSAR Government will formally launch procedures in accordance with the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism against the US' unreasonable measures to defend our legitimate rights."
      
     The spokesman reiterated that Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of the rule-based multilateral trading system. The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the US' measures and urges the US to take immediate actions to rectify its wrongdoing.

Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:00

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