In January 2026, the overall value of Hong Kong's exports and imports increased by 33.8% and 38.1% respectively compared to the same period last year.

On February 27, the Hong Kong government's Census and Statistics Department released external merchandise trade statistics, which showed that in January 2026, both Hong Kong's overall exports and imports recorded year-on-year increases, rising by 33.8% and 38.1% respectively. Following a 26.1% year-on-year increase in December 2025, the overall export value of goods in January 2026 was HK$520.6 billion, a 33.8% increase from the same month in 2025. At the same time, following a 30.6% year-on-year increase in December 2025, the import value of goods in January 2026 was HK$534.7 billion, a 38.1% increase from the same month in 2025. In January 2026, there was a visible trade deficit of HK$14.1 billion, equivalent to 2.6% of the value of goods imported. Seasonally adjusted figures show that the overall export value of goods increased by 9.4% in the three months ending in January 2026 compared to the previous three months. Meanwhile, the import value of goods increased by 10.9%. Analysis by Country/Region In January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the overall export value of goods to Asia increased by 37.3%. Within this region, there were increases in the overall export values to some major destinations, especially Taiwan Province of China (up 88.8%), Malaysia (up 81.1%), Mainland China (up 40.6%), Singapore (up 32.4%), Thailand (up 31.1%), and Vietnam (up 31.0%). Apart from destinations in Asia, there were increases in the overall export values to most major destinations in other regions, especially Switzerland (up 105.1%), the Netherlands (up 39.5%), and the United States (up 23.3%). During the same period, there were increases in the import values from most major supplying regions, especially Vietnam (up 129.8%), India (up 125.1%), South Korea (up 75.0%), Mainland China (up 46.6%), and Singapore (up 42.8%). In the three months ending in January 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, there were increases in the overall export values to most major destinations, especially Malaysia (up 96.3%), Taiwan Province of China (up 70.2%), the United Arab Emirates (up 66.4%), Thailand (up 47.5%), and Mainland China (up 26.8%). During the same period, there were increases in the import values from most major supplying regions, especially Vietnam (up 133.6%), India (up 81.2%), Mainland China (up 34.7%), the United Kingdom (up 31.1%), and South Korea (up 22.3%). Analysis by Major Commodity Category In January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, most major commodity categories saw increases in the overall export values, especially "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$71.6 billion, up 39.4%) and "telecommunications, recording and sound equipment and apparatus" (an increase of HK$24.2 billion, up 51.9%). During the same period, most major commodity categories saw increases in the import values, especially "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$76.2 billion, up 44.8%) and "telecommunications, recording and sound equipment and apparatus" (an increase of HK$34.2 billion, up 80.0%). In the three months ending in January 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, most major commodity categories saw increases in the overall export values, especially "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$163.7 billion, up 28.4%) and "telecommunications, recording and sound equipment and apparatus" (an increase of HK$61.7 billion, up 45.2%). During the same period, most major commodity categories saw increases in the import values, especially "electrical machinery, equipment and parts" (an increase of HK$168.4 billion, up 29.1%) and "telecommunications, recording and sound equipment and apparatus" (an increase of HK$80.7 billion, up 57.2%). A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government stated that there was a significant increase in the export value of goods in January, with a sharp increase of 33.8% year-on-year. Exports to most markets and major commodity categories saw noticeable increases. Although the earlier Lunar New Year last year led to a lower base for comparison, the basic growth momentum remains strong. After seasonal adjustment, the three-month period ending in January saw an accelerated increase in the export value of goods compared to the previous three months. Looking ahead, Hong Kong's trade performance will benefit from the continued moderate expansion of the global economy and strong demand for electronics products related to artificial intelligence worldwide. At the same time, the government will continue to monitor the evolving trade policy environment.