US lifts sanctions on nine Hong Kong officials and ends emergency order

The United States announced it will not renew the national emergency declared under Executive Order 13936 for Hong Kong, allowing the order to expire. Nine individuals previously on the sanctions list – including Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice Lin Ding‑kwok, National Security Office director Dong Jingwei and others – were removed. Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce said the move reflects the implementation of a consensus reached in recent trade talks, and the Hong Kong government welcomed the decision.

Hong Kong‑US trade remains substantial, with bilateral merchandise volume reaching about $68.5 billion last year, and the city serving as a key re‑export hub for mainland goods. Nonetheless, Hong Kong business leaders caution that U.S. policy is still unpredictable, and short‑term visits by Hong Kong firms to the United States are unlikely to resume soon.