Hong Kong's GDP grew by 5.2% in real terms year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026.

On November 3, the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government released the advance estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2026. According to the advance estimates, Hong Kong's GDP grew by 5.2% in real terms in the third quarter of 2026 over the same period last year, compared with the 4.2% growth in the second quarter. Analysed by major component of GDP, private consumption expenditure increased by 2.8% in real terms in the third quarter of 2026 over the same period last year, compared with the 2.9% growth in the second quarter. Government consumption expenditure, as defined in the national income accounting framework, recorded a 1.7% increase in real terms in the third quarter, after remaining broadly unchanged in real terms in the second quarter of 2026 over the same period last year. Gross domestic fixed capital formation increased by 7.3% in real terms in the third quarter of 2026 over the same period last year, faster than the 3.7% growth in the second quarter. Total exports of goods, as defined in the national income accounting framework, increased further by 30.4% in real terms in the third quarter over the same period last year, after a 28.9% increase in real terms in the second quarter of 2026. Over the same period, imports of goods, as defined in the national income accounting framework, increased by 29.9% in real terms, compared with the 29.3% growth in the second quarter. Exports of services increased by 4.3% in the third quarter over the same period last year, after a 3.2% increase in real terms in the second quarter of 2026. Imports of services increased by 5.6% in real terms in the third quarter of 2026, compared with the 3.1% growth in the second quarter. GDP increased by 1.9% in real terms in the third quarter of 2026 over the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison. A spokesman for the Hong Kong SAR Government said that supported by faster export growth and solid domestic demand, the Hong Kong economy expanded strongly in the third quarter of 2026. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew further by 5.2% year-on-year in the third quarter, faster than the revised 4.2% growth in the preceding quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, real GDP rose significantly by 1.9%. For the first three quarters of 2026 combined, real GDP grew by 5.1% year-on-year, the fastest growth for the same period in five years. Looking ahead, the economic outlook for Hong Kong remains positive, with the latest data showing that growth momentum continues. Strong global investment in artificial intelligence should continue to support Hong Kong's merchandise exports. Exports of services should also benefit from the continued growth of inbound tourism, buoyant cross-boundary transportation, and active financial market activities. Domestically, steady economic growth, rising employment earnings and a positive business outlook should support consumption and investment. However, persistent external uncertainties, in particular developments surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and monetary policy tightening by several major central banks, warrant close attention.