The 90-day tariff respite now in effect between China and the United States has created a window for manufacturers in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to race ahead and fulfill their US orders, a move that is projected to provide a boost to the city’s air and sea freight services.

Despite the immediate benefits the pause brings, the response of industry insiders remains measured, with many calling for progress in trade talks that will offer long-term solutions.

Frank Leung Yat-cheong, permanent honorary president of the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear, told China Daily his factory has begun shipping goods for its American business following Monday’s announcement of progress in Sino-US trade talks. “Some orders have been confirmed for production.”

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The US’ move to slash its 145 percent tariffs on Chinese imports to 30 percent has provided some relief in the trade relations between the world’s two largest economies, Leung added.

Andrew Kwok, president of the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, echoed this sentiment during a local radio program. He said that businesses are ramping up shipments to take advantage of the three-month pause and predicted a sharp increase in export volumes during the period, which he expects will drive growth in Hong Kong’s shipping industry.

“This will boost demand for local sea freight services,” Kwok said, adding that companies with export business might even need to book cargo space early to avoid bottlenecks.

The improved trade situation has also lifted the share values of Hong Kong-listed freight firms. Orient Overseas (International) and COSCO Shipping Ports rose nearly 3 percent on Thursday, even as the benchmark Hang Seng Index fell.

Kenny Ng Lai-yin, a strategist at Everbright Securities International, described the performance as stable. But he warned that the sector’s outlook will hinge on whether the US and China can achieve further breakthroughs in trade negotiations.

Leung said he shares similar views, noting that the reduced tariffs are still high. “It feels like crossing the river by feeling the stones for us now,” he said.

“The biggest worry for the industry is what comes next (after the tariff suspension),” said Elsa Yuen May-yee, president of Hong Kong Logistics Association, during a Thursday roundtable on enhancing the city’s logistics competitiveness. The event was organized by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB).

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Yuen, however, highlighted the city’s strengths, including its mature logistics operations and extensive international flights network. In times of uncertainty, Hong Kong’s competitive edge in logistics becomes even more apparent, she said.

Chan Hey-man, chief financial officer of SF Intra-city, a subsidiary of Chinese logistics giant SF Holding, told China Daily at the event that the impact of tariffs on the company remains manageable.

He said, though overseas business accounts for around a quarter of revenue, growth in emerging markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, coupled with strong domestic demand on the Chinese mainland, has cushioned the influence of trade uncertainties, and helped the group achieve a 17 percent year-on-year rise in net profit in the first quarter this year.

Contact the writers at irisli@chinadailyhk.com