Hong Kong: The overall export and import values in April increased by 42.9% and 44.4% respectively compared to the same period last year.

According to the statistics released by the Hong Kong government's Census and Statistics Department today (May 28th), the external merchandise trade figures for April 2026 showed that Hong Kong's overall exports and imports increased by 42.9% and 44.4% year-on-year, respectively. Following a 35.8% year-on-year increase in March 2026, the total export value of goods in April 2026 was HK$620.9 billion, up by 42.9% compared to the same month in 2025. At the same time, following a 41.2% year-on-year increase in March 2026, the total import value of goods in April 2026 was HK$650.4 billion, up by 44.4% compared to the same month in 2025. The visible trade deficit in April 2026 was HK$29.5 billion, equivalent to 4.5% of the value of imported goods. In the first four months of 2026, the total export value of goods increased by 35.0% compared to the same period in 2025. Import value also increased by 38.9%. The visible trade deficit recorded in the first four months of 2026 was HK$198.0 billion, equivalent to 8.4% of the value of imported goods. Seasonally adjusted figures show that in the three months ending in April 2026 compared to the previous three months, the total export value of goods increased by 22.8%. In the same period, the import value of goods increased by 24.2%. Analysis by Country/Region In April 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the total export value of goods to Asia increased by 43.7%. Within this region, the total export value to most major destinations saw an increase, especially to Singapore (up 126.3%), Thailand (up 84.7%), Taiwan (up 72.7%), Vietnam (up 69.3%), Malaysia (up 45.0%), and mainland China (up 40.7%). Outside of Asia, the total export value to most major destinations saw an increase, especially to Switzerland (up 153.7%), the UK (up 88.8%), and the US (up 37.5%). In the same period, import value from most major supplying countries saw an increase, especially from South Korea (up 117.4%), India (up 104.1%), Vietnam (up 86.0%), the UK (up 80.5%), Malaysia (up 64.7%), and mainland China (up 46.8%). In the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, the total export value to most major destinations saw an increase, especially to Singapore (up 84.6%), Malaysia (up 67.9%), Taiwan (up 60.4%), Thailand (up 53.7%), and mainland China (up 36.6%). In the same period, import value from most major supplying countries saw an increase, especially from the UK (up 116.3%), India (up 109.8%), South Korea (up 105.2%), Vietnam (up 91.2%), and mainland China (up 43.5%). Analysis by Major Commodity Category In April 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, most major commodity categories saw an increase in total export value, especially in "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$105.5 billion, up 49.5%), "communication, recording and sound equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$26.5 billion, up 54.6%), and "office machines and automatic data processing equipment" (an increase of HK$25.6 billion, up 41.5%). In the same period, most major commodity categories saw an increase in import value, especially in "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$97.6 billion, up 46.8%), "communication, recording and sound equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$33.7 billion, up 62.1%), and "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly including jewelry, gold jewelry, and silverware)" (an increase of HK$21.8 billion, up 95.4%). In the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, most major commodity categories saw an increase in total export value, especially in "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$325.9 billion, up 42.9%) and "communication, recording and sound equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$104.7 billion, up 61.1%). In the same period, most major commodity categories saw an increase in import value, especially in "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$328.8 billion, up 43.6%), "communication, recording and sound equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$136.9 billion, up 75.7%), and "non-ferrous metals" (an increase of HK$76.5 billion, up 279.4%). A government spokesperson stated that exports continued to soar in April, with the export value of goods growing by 42.9% annually due to strong global demand for AI-related electronic products. In addition to strong export growth to Asian markets such as mainland China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, exports to the US and the EU also saw significant increases. The spokesperson mentioned that looking ahead, the robust demand for AI-related electronic products globally should continue to support Hong Kong's trade performance. However, tensions in the Middle East's geopolitical situation could pose significant risks in the short term, disrupting supply chains, increasing transportation costs, and weakening global demand. The government will continue to closely monitor the situation.