The United States has allowed a national emergency targeting Hong Kong to expire, ending the sanctions framework Donald Trump established in July 2020 over China's imposition of a national security law on the city.
The U.S. Treasury confirmed the order lapsed after the White House declined to renew it for another year, having last extended it in July 2025. The Office of Foreign Assets Control delisted individuals sanctioned under the order, though Hong Kong leader John Lee and his predecessor Carrie Lam were transferred to a separate sanctions list. Trump had originally suspended agreements granting Hong Kong preferential treatment as retaliation for Beijing's tightening control.
China's Commerce Ministry welcomed the move as a step toward fulfilling trade talk commitments and signaled Washington could restore Hong Kong's trade privileges. The Hong Kong government said it noted a positive shift in U.S. policy and looked forward to resuming normal economic ties.