business
US restores preferential trade privileges for Hong Kong, drawing thanks from China
By Kanis Leung, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
The United States confirmed Friday that it will not renew an executive order that revoked Hong Kong's special trading status. The decision comes after China signaled that the city's preferential privileges were being restored. The U.S. order, which U.S. President Donald Trump signed in July 2020 ...
Key takeaway Trump’s order was last renewed for a year in July 2025.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's business community may see a ripple effect from the potential restoration of Hong Kong's preferential trade privileges. As a major hub for international trade, San Antonio's economy is closely tied to global market trends. The city's ports and logistics infrastructure make it an attractive location for companies looking to export goods to Asia. If the US reinstates Hong Kong's special trading status, it could lead to increased trade opportunities for San Antonio businesses, particularly those in the technology and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the city's cultural ties to Asia, with a growing Asian-American population, could also facilitate stronger business relationships between San Antonio and Hong Kong. As the situation unfolds, local business leaders will be watching closely to see how the renewed trade privileges could impact San Antonio's economic growth and development. The potential warming of ties between the US and China could also have implications for San Antonio's tourism industry, with increased travel and cultural exchange between the two nations.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The San Antonio stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering business and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The United States confirmed Friday that it will not renew an executive order that revoked Hong Kong's special trading status. The decision comes after China signaled that the city's preferential privileges were being restored. The U.S. order, which U.S. President Donald Trump signed in July 2020 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kanis Leung, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More business →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter