US Delays 'made In China Label' Rule By 45 Days

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau said Washington has delayed till November 9 an order mandating that goods made in Hong Kong for export to the United States will need to be labelled as made in China.

Speaking at an online seminar, Yau said the US authorities delayed the move for 45 days after a request from representatives from the trade sector. He didn’t elaborate further.

Two weeks ago Washington had issued a notification that all goods made in Hong Kong and exported to the United States will need to be labelled as made in China after September 25.

The move followed Beijing’s imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong and Washington's decision to end the SAR's special status, escalating Sino-US tensions that were already rising over tariffs and the handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

Secretary Yau told the seminar that he hoped things will become calmer after the US presidential election in November.

Asked if it would be better for Sino-US relations if Democrat Joe Biden wins the US presidential election, he said: “I hope there will be a return of some common sense in this sort of battle initiated by the US against China, [and] against Hong Kong.”

“There are sufficient mutual interests to all of us to work for the betterment of our own community and our economy. I hope that sort of common sense will return whoever takes that office,” said Yau.