U.S. lets Hong Kong special trade status order expire

The United States has allowed a key executive order that revoked Hong Kong's special trading status to expire, marking a significant shift in policy toward the semiautonomous territory. The order, signed by then-President Donald Trump on July 14, 2020, lapsed on July 14, 2026, after not being renewed. Chinese and Hong Kong authorities welcomed the move on July 17, framing it as a diplomatic step forward following recent high-level talks.

The executive order, issued in response to Beijing's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong, had declared a national emergency and directed U.S. agencies to suspend or revoke preferential treatment for Hong Kong, effectively aligning its trade and export control status with mainland China. The order had been renewed annually under both the Trump and Biden administrations, with its most recent extension occurring in July 2025.

China's Commerce Ministry stated that Washington had confirmed it would not extend the national emergency, calling the decision an important step toward implementing consensus reached during bilateral economic and trade consultations held last year. The ministry urged the United States to resume normal economic...