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HK/US joint statement on textiles consultations
Delegations from the United States and Hong Kong governments met today (Wednesday) to discuss issues concerning textiles trade, especially the recent steps announced by the US Customs concerning the import of certain textiles categories from Hong Kong.
The US side, led by the Deputy US Customs Commissioner, Mr Mike Lane, comprised representatives from the US Consulate General and the US Customs. The Hong Kong side, with representatives from the Customs and Excise and the Trade departments, was led by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise (designate), Mr Lawrence Li.
The two sides agreed it was in the interest of all legitimate traders and the two governments to act aggressively against companies engaged in transhipping textiles and apparel.
The Hong Kong delegation, however, reiterated their concern and objection to the recent steps announced by the US Customs which were taken without prior consultation, against certain textiles exports from Hong Kong and which could affect the commercial interests of legitimate traders.
In reply, Mr Lane said the new US measures were aimed principally at US importers and, since the steps were simply modifications of existing practices, should not pose a significant extra burden on legitimate traders.
Nevertheless, the US side recognised the concerns of the Hong Kong Government and, as a result, the two sides have pledged to work together intensively over the near term to ameliorate the impact of the US steps on legitimate manufacturers.
This was a point that the US Consulate General and representatives of the US Customs Service would also make in a subsequent meeting with a delegation from the Hong Kong textiles industry, Mr Lane said.
That was, he said, that the US Government intended to do all it could to facilitate trade by legitimate manufacturers, while maintaining and improving the US vigilance against transhipment.
The Hong Kong delegation welcomed the assurance given by Mr Lane that the US Customs would take steps to ameliorate the disruption to trade.