On 18 November, the General Administration of Customs announced that it will carry out random inspections of some import and export commodities not listed in the catalogue of commodities subject to statutory inspection. The objective is to protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers and safeguard health and safety. Import commodities that will be subject to inspections include stationery for students, baby products and electronic products. Export commodities include children’s toys.

CBP has reclassified certain non-slip pads as other articles of plastic under HTSUS 3926.90.99 (5.3 percent duty) rather than as other plastic sheets under HTSUS 3921.12.11 (4.2 percent duty), 3921.12.15 (6.5 percent duty) and 3921.12.19 (5.3 percent duty).

The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled on 10 April that certain notebooks containing calendars are properly classified as diaries under HTSUS 4820.10.2010, which is a duty-free provision but faces Section 301 tariffs.

Hong Kong’s gifts and premiums exports expanded by 15% year-on-year in 2023, after a 3% decrease in 2022. Sales to most traditional markets such as the US, the EU, the UK and Switzerland also saw a decent growth in 2023, ranging from 2% to 35%. On the other hand, export performance to Asian markets like mainland China, Macao and Taiwan also recorded a solid growth.