The United States allowed the executive order revoking Hong Kong's special trade status to expire in July 2026, restoring the city's trade privileges that had been suspended since 2020 [1, 2, 3]. The original order, signed by then-President Donald Trump on July 14, 2020, was a response to Beijing's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong. It revoked Hong Kong’s special trade status with the US and declared a national emergency over China’s security crackdown [1, 2, 3].
Since 2020, the US extended the order annually, maintaining restrictions on Hong Kong’s separate customs and trade status for five years. However, following recent US-China trade talks, Washington chose not to renew the order this year [1, 2, 3]. The US Treasury announced the expiration of the executive order related to the national emergency concerning Hong Kong's security situation [2].
China welcomed the US decision as a positive step. A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry said the adjustment "aligns with the widespread expectations of the international community" and that "maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability serves the interests of both countries" [1, 3]. The Hong Kong government, selected by a pro-Beijing committee, also expressed approval for the restoration of its special trade status [1].
The expiration effectively restores Hong Kong's previous trade treatment under US law, distinguishing it once again from mainland China for tariff and export control purposes. The original revocation had tightened US controls on technology exports and financial transactions involving Hong Kong.
The executive order initially took effect on July 14, 2020, and saw five consecutive annual extensions before its expiration this July 14, 2026 [1, 2]. The restoration marks a shift in the US stance amid ongoing diplomatic and economic engagements with China.
With the executive order no longer in place, Hong Kong will regain certain trade and customs benefits with the US, effective immediately [1, 2, 3].
