Hong Kong - Hong Kong will uphold its status as a free port and ensure the unimpeded flow of goods, capital, and information, Financial Secretary Paul Chan declared on Monday.

Chan strongly criticized the United States' recently implemented "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from a vast majority of its trading partners. He asserted that these tariffs violate the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), disrupt global supply chains, and pose a significant threat to the recovery of the global economy.

He emphasized that these broad tariff measures are being rejected by the international community and investment markets alike, and will ultimately harm the US economy, its businesses, and its consumers. The negative market reaction was evident as US stocks experienced consecutive declines last week following the tariff announcements, with European and Asian markets also showing downturns. Notably, Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index plummeted by over 3,000 points on Monday.

Despite the global economic uncertainty, Chan reassured that the Hong Kong dollar remains stable under its linked exchange rate system with the US dollar. He noted that market trading has been orderly and smooth, with no unusual activities observed that could pose a systemic risk to Hong Kong's financial markets.

The Financial Secretary stressed the HKSAR government's ongoing vigilance regarding financial risks and its commitment to close monitoring of the situation.

Acknowledging that Hong Kong, as an international trade hub, cannot remain entirely unaffected by the turbulence in the global trade environment in the short term, Chan affirmed the HKSAR government's commitment to supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises. This support will include allocating more financial resources and actively exploring new markets for these businesses.

Background on US "Reciprocal Tariffs": The "reciprocal tariffs" mentioned in the article are often imposed by the US citing unfair trade practices or the need to address trade imbalances with specific countries. Such measures can escalate into trade wars, creating substantial uncertainty for the global economy.

Hong Kong's Free Port Status: Hong Kong has long maintained a low or zero-tariff policy, fostering a free trade environment that has been crucial to its development as a leading international trade and financial center.

Linked Exchange Rate System: The Hong Kong dollar's peg to the US dollar provides stability but also means Hong Kong's monetary policy is significantly influenced by that of the United States.

Significance of Hang Seng Index Plunge: The sharp drop in the Hang Seng Index reflects investors' concerns about the uncertainty in both the Hong Kong and global economies, potentially leading to weakened investor confidence in the local market.

Importance of SME Support: As global trade faces increasing uncertainty, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the local economy, becomes even more critical for their survival and growth. Financial assistance and help in exploring new markets are vital in this context.

Paul Chan's remarks underscore Hong Kong's commitment to free trade principles amidst a volatile global trade landscape. His statement also conveys concerns about the protectionist moves by the United States and highlights the HKSAR government's preparedness to address potential negative impacts on the Hong Kong economy. The focus will now be on the specific support measures the Hong Kong government will implement to stabilize the local economy and identify new drivers for growth.

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