Product Offerings
Product Categories:
consulting and professional services
Products:
Market Information, U.S. Product Promotions Assistance, Trade Show Participation Support
The U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge between U.S. agricultural producers and the dynamic markets of Hong Kong and Macau. Operating under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the ATO plays a central role in promoting U.S. agricultural, food, and beverage exports through market development, trade assistance, and promotional campaigns.
Organization Overview
Located at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, the ATO supports U.S. exporters and trade associations by providing detailed market intelligence, facilitating trade shows, and directly linking American suppliers with Hong Kong and Macau importers, retailers, and food service buyers.
Hong Kong is a strategic location for U.S. agricultural trade due to its open market economy, transparent import regulations, and role as a logistics and financial hub in Asia. As one of the largest per capita consumers of high-value food products in the world, Hong Kong presents robust opportunities for U.S. exports.
Core Mission
- Facilitate trade in U.S. agricultural products to Hong Kong and Macau
- Promote high-quality, safe, and sustainably produced American food and beverages
- Support U.S. exporters in navigating local import regulations and consumer trends
- Organize and sponsor marketing campaigns, tasting events, and in-store promotions
Services and Functions
1. Trade Facilitation
- Connects U.S. exporters with vetted Hong Kong importers and distributors
- Provides country-specific export documentation guidance and regulatory updates
- Coordinates with USDA cooperators and U.S. trade associations
2. Market Intelligence
- Publishes the annual Hong Kong Exporter Guide, Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report, and Retail/Food Service reports
- Offers insights into emerging trends such as plant-based diets, organic labeling, and e-commerce food retailing
3. Promotional Activities
- Organizes participation in trade shows such as HOFEX, Natural & Organic Asia, and Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong
- Conducts "Taste USA" promotions at major supermarket chains and specialty retailers
- Sponsors chef training programs and food influencer campaigns to boost visibility of U.S. products
Market Impact and Trade Data
According to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) statistics:
- U.S. agricultural exports to Hong Kong totaled $1.6 billion in 2023, making it one of the top 10 export markets globally for U.S. food and agricultural products
- Top U.S. exports to Hong Kong include:
- Beef and beef products
- Tree nuts (especially almonds and pistachios)
- Poultry meat and products
- Wine and spirits
- Dairy products and cheeses
- U.S. market share of Hong Kong’s food and agricultural imports stands at 12%, reflecting strong consumer preference for quality and safety
Hong Kong also serves as a transshipment and consolidation point for U.S. food products entering Mainland China and Southeast Asia.
Target Stakeholders
The ATO supports a wide range of stakeholders:
- U.S. exporters and cooperators seeking international market expansion
- Hong Kong/Macau-based importers, distributors, retailers, and HRI (hotel, restaurant, institutional) buyers
- Policy makers and industry regulators interested in enhancing bilateral agricultural trade
- Chefs, culinary schools, and food influencers for promotional outreach
Capabilities
- Strategic location within the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong
- Experienced multilingual staff with deep knowledge of local food industry and regulatory frameworks
- Digital and in-person promotional toolkit tailored to Hong Kong and Macau's premium market positioning
- Access to USDA global trade promotion network and funding programs such as MAP (Market Access Program)
Certifications & Compliance Support
- Advises on Hong Kong food labeling, health certifications, and import licensing
- Coordinates with APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) on phytosanitary and veterinary documentation
- Provides exporters with guidance on compliance with Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) standards
Recognitions & Contributions
- Successfully expanded the presence of U.S. organic products, premium meats, and specialty beverages in Hong Kong supermarkets and e-commerce platforms
- Recognized by Hong Kong importers as a reliable resource for U.S. trade connections and product sourcing
- Supported the launch of USA Cheese Guild programs and U.S. Meat Export Federation culinary training workshops in Hong Kong
Achievements
- Facilitated over 200+ B2B trade meetings annually between U.S. suppliers and Hong Kong buyers
- Supported the entry of new-to-market U.S. companies through product sampling events and digital marketing initiatives
- Helped U.S. cooperators secure retail shelf space in major Hong Kong grocery chains such as CitySuper, YATA, Aeon, and Wellcome
- Increased visibility and consumer awareness of U.S. agricultural brands through bilingual promotional campaigns
The U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Hong Kong continues to play a strategic role in strengthening bilateral agricultural trade, enhancing market access for American producers, and promoting the excellence of U.S. food and beverage products in Asia’s most premium and competitive retail environment.