In March, the overall export and import value of Hong Kong increased by 35.8% and 41.2% respectively compared to the same period last year.

According to the trade statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR government today (April 28), the overall value of Hong Kong's exports and imports in March 2026 recorded year-on-year increases, rising by 35.8% and 41.2% respectively. Following a 24.7% year-on-year increase in February 2026, the total export value of goods in March 2026 was HK$618.4 billion, up 35.8% from the same month in 2025. Similarly, following a 29.9% year-on-year increase in February 2026, the total import value of goods in March 2026 was HK$707.5 billion, up 41.2% from the same month in 2025. A visible trade deficit of HK$89.1 billion was recorded in March 2026, equivalent to 12.6% of the value of imports. In the first quarter of 2026, the total export value of goods rose by 32.0% compared to the same period in 2025, while the import value of goods rose by 37.0%. A visible trade deficit of HK$168.4 billion was recorded in the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 9.8% of the value of imports. Seasonally adjusted figures show that in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the previous quarter, the total export value of goods increased by 18.4%, while the import value of goods increased by 20.0%. By country/region analysis, in March 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the overall export value of goods to Asia increased by 37.8%. Within this region, the export value of goods to most major destinations recorded increases, especially to Singapore (125.0%), Malaysia (62.3%), Thailand (61.7%), Taiwan (50.9%), and Mainland China (39.5%). Outside of Asia, the export value of goods to some major destinations recorded increases, especially to the United States (80.8%) and the Netherlands (37.1%). Meanwhile, the export value of goods to the UK recorded a decrease of 29.1%. During the same period, the import value from most major supplying countries recorded increases, especially from the UK (118.5%), South Korea (112.2%), India (88.1%), Vietnam (85.7%), the United States (66.0%), and Mainland China (48.8%). In the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, the export value of goods to most major destinations recorded increases, especially to Malaysia (81.1%), Singapore (71.2%), Taiwan (56.5%), the United States (47.5%), and Mainland China (34.9%). During the same period, the import value from most major supplying countries recorded increases, especially from the UK (128.2%), India (112.2%), South Korea (100.8%), Vietnam (93.4%), and Mainland China (42.3%). By major commodity categories, in March 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the export value of some major commodity categories recorded increases, especially in "Electrical Machinery, Equipment and Parts" (an increase of HK$99.8 billion, up 47.9%), "Communications, Recording and Sound Equipment and Instruments" (an increase of HK$40.2 billion, up 94.7%), and "Non-ferrous Metals" (an increase of HK$10.2 billion, up 175.9%). During the same period, the import value of most major commodity categories recorded increases, especially in "Electrical Machinery, Equipment and Parts" (an increase of HK$106.2 billion, up 49.5%), "Communications, Recording and Sound Equipment and Instruments" (an increase of HK$45.3 billion, up 93.0%), and "Non-ferrous Metals" (an increase of HK$30.4 billion, up 403.6%). In the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, the export value of most major commodity categories recorded increases, especially in "Electrical Machinery, Equipment and Parts" (an increase of HK$220.3 billion, up 40.2%), "Communications, Recording and Sound Equipment and Instruments" (an increase of HK$78.3 billion, up 63.8%), and "Non-ferrous Metals" (an increase of HK$24.8 billion, up 169.1%). During the same period, the import value of most major commodity categories recorded increases, especially in "Electrical Machinery, Equipment and Parts" (an increase of HK$231.3 billion, up 42.4%), "Communications, Recording and Sound Equipment and Instruments" (an increase of HK$103.2 billion, up 81.6%), and "Non-ferrous Metals" (an increase of HK$62.3 billion, up 340.7%). A government spokesman stated that Hong Kong's merchandise exports continued to perform strongly in March, supported by robust demand for electronic products related to artificial intelligence globally. The value of goods exports grew by 35.8% year-on-year. Exports to most markets and major commodity categories continued to show strong growth. Looking ahead, the escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has led to a sharp increase in international energy prices, posing downside risks to the global economic outlook in the short term and potentially disrupting global trade and supply chains. However, the strong demand for electronic products related to artificial intelligence globally is expected to provide strong support for Hong Kong's merchandise exports. The government will continue to closely monitor changes in the external environment and remain vigilant.