The Sino-US tariff war poses challenges for companies as the Office of the United States Trade Representative plans to impose port charges on Chinese ships. Hong Kong Catering Industry Association Chairman Simon Wong states that with the opening of Chancay Port in Peru, Hong Kong businessmen will strengthen their exploration of utilizing the new port to save time and costs, which could be more advantageous for Hong Kong businesses.
Some business people pointed out that some Hong Kong businesses have already planned to relocate their production lines to Southeast Asia and strengthen connections with Europe in recent years. The Chinese Manufacturers' Association will also assist manufacturers in entering the Middle Eastern halal international market.
According to a report by Wen Wei Po, Simon Wong mentioned on a radio program on the 19th that, with the US imposing port charges, many goods shipped from Asia, especially China, to the US might be rerouted to South America. If hefty taxes are imposed, the cost would ultimately be transferred to consumers, and an alternative is to use Chancay Port to transport goods.
He said that in the first two months of this year, Chancay Port handled 15,000 containers without going through the US. Moreover, South American goods can be shipped to China and Southeast Asian countries via Chancay Port. "Using Chancay Port instead of routing through the US to reach South America can save two to three weeks, and avoid additional costs of breaking down cargo for the Panama Canal. With South American countries and Brazil agreeing to build a Transoceanic Railway, it is believed that trade between South America and China will be further facilitated.”