Consumer Price Indices for March 2025
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for March 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.4% in March 2025 over the same month a year earlier, smaller than the average rate of increase in January and February 2025 (1.7%). Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in March 2025 was 1.0%, also smaller than the average rate of increase in January and February 2025 (1.3%). The comparison to the average rate of increase in January and February is to neutralise the effect caused by the different timing of the Chinese New Year between two years, which occurred in January this year but in February last year. The smaller increase in March 2025 was mainly due to the decreases in inbound and outbound transport fares and the charges for package tours.
Comparing March 2025 with February 2025, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2025 was 1.4%, the same as that in February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2025 was 1.0%, slightly smaller than the corresponding increase in February 2025 (1.1%).
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending March 2025 was 0.0%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.0%.
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.0%, 1.2% and 1.0% respectively in March 2025, as compared to the average rates of increase of 2.2%, 1.5% and 1.3% respectively in January and February 2025, and 2.0%, 1.2% and 1.0% respectively in February 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively in March 2025, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.7%, 1.2% and 1.2% respectively in January and February 2025, and 1.4%, 1.0% and 0.9% respectively in February 2025.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending March 2025, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.1%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2025 were 0.1%, 0.0% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending March 2025 were -0.1%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively, the same as those for the 3-month period ending February 2025.
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in March 2025 for electricity, gas and water (14.0%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (4.4%), transport (1.7%), housing (1.7%), meals out and takeaway food (1.3%), miscellaneous goods (1.0%), and miscellaneous services (1.0%).
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in March 2025 for clothing and footwear (-2.8%), basic food (-1.5%), and durable goods (-0.5%).
In the first quarter of 2025, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 2.2%, 1.4% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.6%, 1.1% and 1.0% respectively.
For the 12 months ending March 2025, the Composite CPI was on average 1.6% higher than that in the preceding 12-month period. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 2.1%, 1.5% and 1.4% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures were 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the underlying consumer price inflation stayed modest in March. The underlying Composite CPI increased by 1.0% over a year earlier in March, smaller than the increase of 1.3% in January and February combined. Price pressures on various major components stayed contained in general.
Looking ahead, overall inflation should remain modest in the near term. External price pressures should be broadly in check, though escalating trade conflicts continue to warrant attention. The Government will monitor the situation closely.
Further information
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for March 2025 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government's one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.
More detailed statistics are given in the "Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index". Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).
For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).
Update on chikungunya fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (January 10), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.
Latest surveillance data
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Hong Kong has recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.
Since the beginning of 2025, and as of December 10, 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in over 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although the northern hemisphere has entered the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.
Government's comprehensive follow-up actions
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Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area in November last year, the trails are currently closed until further notice. Relevant government departments continue to conduct large-scale mosquito control and prevention efforts along the trails, and the CHP appeals to the public not to enter the area in order to reduce the risk of contracting CF and to avoid exposure to chemicals or interfering with the mosquito control operations. Since the confirmation on December 10, 2025, of a case involving a person who had visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 30, 2025, no further local cases have been recorded to date. The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been continuously conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails and the surrounding area. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and a robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could cause stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Pamphlets have been distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations and take personal protective measures. The FEHD has also held meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.
Continuously strengthening prevention and control
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The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July last year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
read the label instructions carefully first;
apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
apply on exposed skin and clothing;
use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control deicated pageof the FEHD.
Source: AI-found images
