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Bite size local news, Post reports and activity summaries wrapped by ATO Hong Kong.

On October 16 the Hong Kong Government (HKG) announced a significant reduction in the duty on imported alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content above 30 percent by volume.

In 2023, Hong Kong was the tenth export market for U.S. pet food. Pet owners in Hong Kong value U.S. pet food for its high safety and quality and have confidence in U.S. origin and branding.

The Hong Kong market has developed into a dynamic wine export destination since the abolishment of wine tariffs in 2008. The slow recovery of the global economy dampened the city’s global imports of wine in 2023.

In 2022, Hong Kong was the world’s tenth largest spirits importer, with global imports recovering 7 percent year-on-year and valued at $502 million. From 2020-2021, Hong Kong’s imports and domestic sales of spirits were seriously hampered under the COVID-19 pandemic, as most restaurants, pubs, and bars were closed due to stringent dining, social distancing, and travel restrictions.

Hong Kong is the ninth largest importer of baked goods in the world, with imports valued at $870 million. Major import categories included pastries, bread, and cakes. For the first ten months of 2021, Hong Kong imports of baked goods were $721 million, a modest increase of 1.61 percent over the same period in 2020.

Hong Kong traders complain about ongoing issues with global shipping logistics and resulting disruptions on supply chains.

Hong Kong authorities reported a detection of COVID-19 virus on imported frozen cuttlefish from Malaysia. Detections were identified on the slice surface and its inner packaging during precautionary testing at the point of entry.

The Hong Kong government recently published a report on its second Food Consumption Survey which highlights local dietary preferences.

In 2020, Macau’s retail food sector sales rose 4.1 percent to $644 million.

The significant rise of dog- and cat-owning households in East Asia presents an opportunity to increase the U.S. exports of pet food.

Hong Kong is the world’s eleventh-largest market for imported pet food, and also the hub for pet food trade in the region.