(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The US’ new rule on origin marking, which requires Hong Kong-made products exported to the country to be labelled as made in China, is unacceptable and an attempt to undermine the city’s separate customs status.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau made the statement after meeting major local trade chambers today.

Mr Yau said: “The US’ recent attempt to impose an origin marking requirement on Hong Kong products is basically asking Hong Kong traders to tell a lie that products made in Hong Kong would be misdescribed as made in China. So by common sense, by international practices of origin rules and by World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements, all this is exception and unacceptable.

“I think it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s separate customs territory, which is a very important pillar, as Hong Kong is an international trading centre, which is well recognised by all members of the WTO. I hope the US would not be the exception because they are also a fellow member, together with Hong Kong, in the WTO.”

Condemning the US’ move, Mr Yau said the Government will protect Hong Kong's interests.

“So that’s why I think that for something so blatant and irresponsible, our natural response will be to safeguard our interests under the WTO, to guard our separate customs territory which is given to us by the Basic Law under 'one country, two systems', and also give our service as a member of the WTO because this is what upholds the multilateral trading system.

“The Government also has the duty to protect our trade interests. That’s why we have been talking with representatives of trade from individual sectors as well as major chambers as we did in the past two years when we are confronted with the China-US trade war."