Hong Kong Stocks Turned Lower After Trump-Xi Call Yields Little Progress

Li Chen
22 Sep, 2025
Hong Kong

Stock market indexes in China struggled to stay above the flatline and future rate paths amid macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. 

The Hang Seng index decreased 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index inched lower 0.1%. 

The talk between the leaders of the two largest economies yielded little progress, denting the market sentiment and prolonging the trade-related uncertainties.

Late Friday, Trump-Xi talks covered several issues, including trade tariffs, the fate of TikTok's U.S. assets, and the Ukraine-Russia war. 

However, both leaders signaled a possible meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Cooperation Summit in Seoul, Korea, in October. 

The sweeping tariffs announced by the U.S. president have forced many Chinese companies to shift their manufacturing operations and seek new markets in the ASEAN region, the European Union, South America, and Africa.

Chinese goods are facing U.S. tariffs as high as 67%, and the elimination of the de minimis exemption has also sharply curtailed the sale of Chinese goods sold on e-commerce platforms, including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

US-China trade talks are likely to stall till the end of the year, when the current suspension is scheduled to expire in November and Chinese policymakers finalize their annual policy meeting in December.

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 1% to 26,278.52, and the CSI 300 index eased 0.1% to 4,499.38. 

Stocks lacked momentum in Hong Kong amid worries that the lingering trade tensions and persistent weakness in the housing market are likely to sap the recent market enthusiasm.

ANTA Sports Products decreased 3.8% to HK$93.05 after a firework publicity stunt staged in Tibet drew scrutiny from local authorities.

ANTA-controlled outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx organized a firework show with Chinese artist Cai Guo-qiang at the foothills of the Himalayas, drawing strong condemnation from the local population and authorities.

Sunny Optical Technology Group advanced 4.6% to HK$85.30, and SMIC edged higher 2.6% to HK$71.90.