Hong Kong: The overall export and import value in May increased by 40.8% and 42% respectively compared to the same period last year.

On June 25, the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong government published external merchandise trade statistics, showing that in May 2026, the overall value of Hong Kong's exports and imports both recorded year-on-year increases, rising by 40.8% and 42.0% respectively. Following a 42.9% year-on-year increase in April 2026, the overall value of goods exported in May 2026 was HK$611.2 billion, compared to the same month in 2025, an increase of 40.8%. At the same time, following a 44.4% year-on-year increase in April 2026, the value of imported goods in May 2026 was HK$655.4 billion, an increase of 42.0% compared to May 2025. The trade deficit for goods in May 2026 amounted to HK$44.2 billion, equivalent to 6.7% of the value of imported goods. In the first five months of 2026, the overall value of goods exported increased by 36.2% compared to the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, the value of imported goods increased by 39.6%. A trade deficit of HK$242.2 billion was recorded in the first five months of 2026, equivalent to 8.0% of the value of imported goods. Seasonally adjusted data showed that in the three months ending in May 2026, the overall value of goods exported increased by 17.1% compared to the previous three months. Similarly, the value of imported goods increased by 16.3%. Analysis by country/region showed that in May 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the overall value of goods exported to Asia increased by 44.6%. Within this region, exports to most major destinations recorded increases, particularly to Singapore (up by 114.2%), Taiwan Province of China (up by 90.2%), Vietnam (up by 67.8%), Thailand (up by 56.0%), and Mainland China (up by 48.5%). Outside of Asia, exports to some major destinations recorded increases, particularly to the UK (up by 61.7%) and the US (up by 55.7%). During the same period, the value of imports from most major suppliers recorded increases, particularly from South Korea (up by 107.4%), India (up by 95.2%), Vietnam (up by 76.5%), Malaysia (up by 60.2%), and Mainland China (up by 51.2%). In comparing the first five months of 2026 to the same period in 2025, exports to most major destinations recorded increases, especially to Singapore (up by 91.5%), Taiwan Province of China (up by 66.6%), Thailand (up by 54.3%), Malaysia (up by 53.9%), the US (up by 46.8%), and Mainland China (up by 39.1%). During the same period, imports from major suppliers recorded increases, particularly from India (up by 106.7%), South Korea (up by 105.7%), the UK (up by 92.4%), Vietnam (up by 88.2%), and Mainland China (up by 45.2%). Analysis by major commodity categories showed that in May 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, most major categories of goods exported recorded increases, particularly in "electrical machinery and equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$114.3 billion, up by 56.1%), "office machines and automatic data processing equipment" (an increase of HK$30.7 billion, up by 50.2%), and "communication, recording, and audio equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$19.2 billion, up by 37.6%). During the same period, imports of most major commodity categories recorded increases, particularly in "electrical machinery and equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$108.7 billion, up by 51.6%), "communication, recording, and audio equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$29.9 billion, up by 61.2%), and "office machines and automatic data processing equipment" (an increase of HK$23.6 billion, up by 44.5%). In comparing the first five months of 2026 to the same period in 2025, most major commodity categories of goods exported recorded increases, particularly in "electrical machinery and equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$440.1 billion, up by 45.7%), "communication, recording, and audio equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$123.9 billion, up by 55.7%), and "office machines and automatic data processing equipment" (an increase of HK$76.9 billion, up by 24.4%). During the same period, imports of most major commodity categories recorded increases, particularly in "electrical machinery and equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$437.6 billion, up by 45.4%), "communication, recording, and audio equipment and instruments" (an increase of HK$166.7 billion, up by 72.6%), and "non-ferrous metals" (an increase of HK$83.6 billion, up by 226.2%). A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government stated that goods exports in May continued to show strong expansion. Benefiting from strong global demand for AI-related electronic products, the value of goods exported increased by 40.8% year-on-year. Significant growth was recorded in exports to most major markets. Looking ahead, the continued strong demand for AI-related electronic products globally is expected to provide continued support for Hong Kong's trade performance. The recent easing of tensions in the Middle East geopolitical situation has brought short-term relief to the global economic outlook; however, challenges still remain. The government will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance against external risks.