Hong Kong’s merchandise exports rose 53.4% year on year to HK$641.1 billion in June 2026, according to data released by the Census and Statistics Department. For the first half of 2026, total exports reached HK$3,416.0 billion, up 39.1% from the same period last year, fueled by global demand for electronics amid rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reported.
Bruce Pang, Director of Research at the HKTDC, said: “Hong Kong’s exports sustained robust growth in the first half of 2026, underpinned by strong demand for electronics amid the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence worldwide.” He noted that year-on-year growth rates to Asia, the Chinese Mainland and the USA accelerated in June compared with May.
Effective July 24, 2026, the United States imposed new tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, which face a 12.5% tariff. These replace the previous temporary 10% universal tariffs that expired on the same date. While the tariff increase will affect Hong Kong’s exports to the US, various exemptions remain for certain electronic products, which account for the majority of Hong Kong’s exports to the nation. As such, the impact on Hong Kong’s export performance is likely to be limited. The anticipated meeting between Chinese and US leaders in September, together with continued bilateral dialogue, may help foster a more accommodative trade environment.
Looking ahead, global business prospects hinge on developments in the Middle East. Recent renewed conflicts have pushed oil prices higher, while concerns over rising inflationary pressures have prompted central banks to tighten monetary policy. The global economy and end-market demand could slow if tensions persist and more central banks adopt tighter policies to combat inflation.
Pang added: “On the whole, Hong Kong’s merchandise exports could see moderating growth momentum in the coming months, amid a likely gradual steadying of the technology upcycle, an easing global economy, as well as the high-base effect from last year. We continue to uphold our forecast that Hong Kong’s full year exports in 2026 will register growth of over 20%.”
For more details, visit the HKTDC Media Room at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en and view the original release on NewMediaWire.
