Hong Kong's June 2025 Trade Statistics Show Significant Year-on-Year Increases in Exports and Imports.

External merchandise trade statistics for June 2025

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 28) the external merchandise trade statistics for June 2025. In June 2025, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 11.9% and 11.1% respectively.

In June 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 11.9% over a year earlier to $417.8 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 15.5% in May 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.1% over a year earlier to $476.7 billion in June 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 18.9% in May 2025. A visible trade deficit of $58.9 billion, equivalent to 12.4% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in June 2025.

For the first half of 2025 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 12.5% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 12.6%. A visible trade deficit of $183.6 billion, equivalent to 7.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first half of 2025.

Comparing the second quarter of 2025 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 2.8%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 3.9%.

Analysis by country/territory

Comparing June 2025 with June 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 17.2%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Malaysia (+52.6%), the Philippines (+48.3%), Vietnam (+37.6%), the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+18.3%) and India (+12.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to Korea (-10.9%).

Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the Netherlands (-35.5%) and the USA (-12.1%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+50.6%), the United Kingdom (+44.7%), the Mainland (+17.3%) and Thailand (+15.9%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-27.1%).

For the first half of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+54.4%), Malaysia (+34.6%), Taiwan (+33.0%), the Mainland (+18.0%) and Japan (+17.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-23.6%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+70.7%), the United Kingdom (+53.8%), Taiwan (+39.8%), Malaysia (+28.3%) and the Mainland (+10.8%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-21.0%).

Analysis by major commodity

Comparing June 2025 with June 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $35.8 billion or +20.2%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $4.7 billion or +10.4%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $28.4 billion or +14.6%) and "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $8.3 billion or +17.7%).

For the first half of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $139.2 billion or +13.4%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $129.7 billion or +55.4%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $151.2 billion or +14.6%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $120.0 billion or +65.2%).

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that merchandise exports performance remained resilient in June. The value of merchandise exports grew noticeably further by 11.9% over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland and most other Asian markets continued to expand visibly, while those to the United States and the European Union fell.

Looking ahead, the sustained steady growth in various Asian economies in particular the Mainland economy, as well as Hong Kong's enhanced economic and trade ties with different markets, should continue to support merchandise trade performance. Nonetheless, the outlook of global trade policy is still uncertain. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and stay vigilant.

Further information

Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for June 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to June 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.

The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for June 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.

Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for June 2025.

All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for June 2025 will be released in mid-August 2025.

The June 2025 issue of "Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade" contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in June 2025 and will be available in early August 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230).

Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).

Source: AI-found images

Speech by SCED at opening ceremony of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the opening ceremony of HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026 today (September 1):

Sophia (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), Gary (Chairman of the HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr Gary Lau), SK (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Chong Sing-kai), Frankie (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Frankie Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today and officiate at the opening of the 45th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME.

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Fair. Its enduring success is a testament to the dedication of the HKTDC and its co-organisers, as well as to the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our watch and clock industry.

Over the past 45 years, the Fair has evolved from a regional gathering into a leading international timepiece exhibition and a vital meeting point for the global industry. I am delighted that this year's Fair carries the theme "Sparkling Moments Through Time". It perfectly captures the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. The Fair showcases everything from luxury timepieces and fashion-forward creations to technological and sustainable innovations, while bringing together the entire industry value chain and connecting businesses from around the world.

We are also pleased to welcome microbrands and independent watchmakers alongside established maisons that have defined elegance for generations. The participation of renowned brands from the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies, Europe and America is a further testament to the Fair's international reach and its appeal as a premier platform for the global timepiece industry.

Such diversity and connectivity are Hong Kong's greatest assets. They also resonate strongly with the opportunities presented by our country's 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international trade centre and in playing a greater role in the country's high-standard opening up. As a "super-connector" between the Chinese Mainland and the global market, we offer a trusted, familiar and business-friendly environment for international companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market, while providing Mainland brands with an ideal platform from which to expand their global presence.

In line with the opportunities arising from the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government is fully committed to reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a premier global business centre and convention and exhibition hub. In 2025, our two mega event venues, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, hosted over 360 internationally renowned events, attracting more than 9 million participants. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure and enhance our policy support, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a preferred destination for global exhibitions and a premier meeting place for ideas, investment and business opportunities.

We welcome more largescale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, especially with the added incentive of the Government's $100 million funding scheme to attract international exhibitions featuring new elements. The economic contribution of the exhibition sector is substantial. Our exhibition industry generated $50.2 billion in total economic output in 2024 while international exhibition visitors spent an average of over $9,300 per trip, about 70 per cent more than the average overnight tourist. These figures highlight the vital role of exhibitions in bringing high-value visitors, driving economic activity and creating new business opportunities.

As we mark this significant 45-year milestone, let us draw inspiration from the past, embrace the possibilities of the present, and look ahead to an even brighter future for the industry. Together, let us continue to create more "Sparkling Moments Through Time".

Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and memorable Fair, and many fruitful exchanges and partnerships in the days ahead. Thank you.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, Photo source: reference image