ESTABLISHED 2024 A CIVIC RECORD — CONFIRMED ACTIONS, CONFIRMED FACTS April 15, 2026

Executive Order 13936 on Hong Kong Normalization

On July 14, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order 13936 directing the Secretary of State to begin the process of eliminating Hong Kong's special trade status under U.S. law. The order suspended Hong Kong's preferential trade treatment, including exemptions from tariffs applied to mainland China. The direct effect was the application of higher tariffs to Hong Kong imports beginning September 25, 2020, increasing costs for U.S. importers and businesses sourcing goods from Hong Kong.