Hong Kong’s Cathay sets up task force amid Trump tariffs, trade war
Flag carrier’s CEO warns of disruptions to cargo business, increased costs and pressure on supply chains in ‘highly exposed’ sector
In an internal letter sent to all staff on Thursday, CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said he would lead the task force amid tit-for-tat tariff moves by the US and China.
“As many of you are aware, the recent developments on trade tariffs are creating uncertainties across industries and geographies worldwide,” he said.
“While we cannot influence the extent and duration of the current external forces, we are taking proactive steps to put ourselves in the best possible position in facing and mitigating them.
“To that end, I have been leading a cross-departmental task force to ensure we remain aligned, agile and responsive. We have been evaluating a range of possible scenarios and our responses.”
In the letter titled “Steering Cathay through global headwinds”, Lam also warned the trade war could have a range of repercussions for the carrier, including delays to air cargo, rising costs and impacts on supply chains.
“Aviation is a global industry that is highly exposed to such uncertainties,” he said.