In February, the total value of exports and imports in Hong Kong increased by 24.7% and 29.9% respectively compared to the same period last year.

On March 26, the statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government showed that in February 2026, Hong Kong's overall export and import values both recorded year-on-year increases, rising by 24.7% and 29.9% respectively. Due to the impact of the Chinese New Year holidays falling on different dates, it would be more appropriate to merge and analyze the trade statistics for January and February when making year-on-year comparisons. When combined, the overall export value for January and February 2026 increased by 29.6% compared to the same period in 2025. At the same time, the value of imported goods rose by 34.1%. Hong Kong recorded a visible trade deficit of HK$79 billion (HKD) in the first two months of 2026, equivalent to 7.8% of the value of imported goods. Following a 33.8% year-on-year increase in January 2026, the overall export value of goods in February 2026 was HK$408.8 billion, up by 24.7% compared to the same month in 2025. Similarly, following a 38.1% year-on-year increase in January 2026, the value of imported goods in February 2026 was HK$472.9 billion, an increase of 29.9% compared to the same month in 2025. Hong Kong recorded a visible trade deficit of HK$64.2 billion in February 2026, equivalent to 13.6% of the value of imported goods. Seasonally adjusted figures show that in the three months ending in February 2026, compared with the previous three months, the overall export value of goods rose by 15.8%. Similarly, the value of imported goods rose by 17.7%. Analysis by country/region In February 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the overall export value to Asia increased by 23.4%. Within this region, the overall export values to most major destinations recorded increases, especially to Malaysia (up 121.9%), Singapore (up 69.8%), Thailand (up 36.9%), Taiwan (up 33.4%), and mainland China (up 21.9%). Outside of Asia, the overall export values to most major destinations saw increases, especially to Switzerland (up 78.9%), the Netherlands (up 68.3%), and the United States (up 38.8%). During the same period, the import values from most major suppliers recorded increases, especially from the UK (up 230.6%), India (up 130.8%), Korea (up 113.6%), Vietnam (up 71.6%), Malaysia (up 31.1%), and mainland China (up 28.2%). In comparing the first two months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, the overall export values to most major destinations saw increases, especially to Malaysia (up 95.2%), Taiwan (up 60.4%), the United Arab Emirates (up 54.2%), Singapore (up 46.7%), Thailand (up 33.9%), and mainland China (up 31.6%). During the same period, the import values from most major suppliers recorded increases, especially from the UK (up 134.8%), India (up 128.2%), Vietnam (up 100.5%), Korea (up 93.3%), and mainland China (up 38.0%). Analysis by major commodity categories In February 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, most major commodity categories saw increases in overall export values, especially in electrical machinery, equipment, and parts (an increase of HK$48.9 billion, up 30.8%), communication, recording, and sound equipment and apparatus (an increase of HK$13.9 billion, up 41.5%), and non-ferrous metals (an increase of HK$9.1 billion, up 289.4%). During the same period, some major commodity categories saw increases in import values, especially in electrical machinery, equipment, and parts (an increase of HK$48.9 billion, up 30.5%), non-ferrous metals (an increase of HK$24.3 billion, up 474.8%), and communication, recording, and sound equipment and apparatus (an increase of HK$23.8 billion, up 67.6%). When comparing the first two months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, most major commodity categories saw increases in overall export values, especially in electrical machinery, equipment, and parts (an increase of HK$120.2 billion, up 35.3%) and communication, recording, and sound equipment and apparatus (an increase of HK$38.1 billion, up 47.6%). During the same period, most major commodity categories saw increases in import values, especially in electrical machinery, equipment, and parts (an increase of HK$125.2 billion, up 37.9%), communication, recording, and sound equipment and apparatus (an increase of HK$58 billion, up 74.4%), and non-ferrous metals (an increase of HK$31.9 billion, up 296.7%). A government spokesperson stated that the performance of goods exports remained robust at the beginning of 2026. When January and February are combined to eliminate the impact of the Lunar New Year falling on different dates compared to last year, the year-on-year increase in the value of exported goods was a sharp 29.6%. Exports to most markets and major commodity categories continued to rise significantly. Looking ahead, global demand for AI-related electronic products should continue to be strong, supporting Hong Kong's trade in goods. However, the recent escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has increased uncertainty in the global economic outlook. The fluctuating trade policies of major advanced economies are another ongoing uncertainty. The government will continue to closely monitor these developments and remain vigilant.