Government and logistics industry to cope with US tariffs through five major strategies (with photos)

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     The Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) convened a meeting today (April 14). The Secretary of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of LOGSCOUNCIL, Ms Mable Chan, listened to the views of the logistics industry on the reckless tariff imposition by the United States (US), including a further increase in the so-called reciprocal tariffs, and discussed how to tackle the situation together.

     Ms Chan said, "The US has earlier announced that the imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariffs on various trade partners, which disregards the fact that Hong Kong is a separate customs territory under the Basic Law and that, as a free port, does not charge any tariffs. We had an in-depth and candid discussion at today's meeting. Although the industry is worried about the ongoing uncertainty of the trade environment, it remains firm against the adversary and is actively exploring ways to cope with the situation."

     Ms Chan continued, "The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) will be in solidarity with the trade and counter the challenge to Hong Kong and the industry together with determination and confidence. The TLB will play a leading role in providing more specific guidance on the development of the industry and assisting the industry in coping with the market restructuring."

     The TLB will lead Hong Kong's logistics enterprises to cope with the situation by adopting five major strategies, namely (i) exploring emerging markets, (ii) strengthening collaboration with ports located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with a view to developing new cargo sources together, (iii) exempting the import and export licence requirements for certain products to attract more transhipment cargoes, (iv) deepening international port and shipping co-operation and (v) expanding the maritime and aviation networks in order to identify new growth points for Hong Kong's logistics industry, thereby consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status and competitiveness as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub. Meanwhile, the TLB will also work with other relevant government departments, including the Customs and Excise Department, to implement more initiatives to facilitate the development of the industry and thereby further enhance Hong Kong's role as a transshipment hub through such trade facilitation measures as the expansion of the Single E-lock Scheme, the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme and the Air-Land Fresh Lane.

Ends/Monday, April 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:35

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The Hong Kong Logistics Development Council convened a meeting today (April 14) at which the Secretary of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of LOGSCOUNCIL, Ms Mable Chan (third left), listened to the views of the logistics industry on the reckless tariff imposition by the United States, and discussed how to tackle the situation together.