Hong Kong's External Merchandise Trade Statistics in May 2026: Exports Up 40.8%, Imports Up 42.0%

External merchandise trade statistics for May 2026

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 25) the external merchandise trade statistics for May 2026. In May 2026, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 40.8% and 42.0% respectively.

In May 2026, the value of total exports of goods increased by 40.8% over a year earlier to $611.2 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 42.9% in April 2026. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 42.0% over a year earlier to $655.4 billion in May 2026, after a year-on-year increase by 44.4% in April 2026. A visible trade deficit of $44.2 billion, equivalent to 6.7% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in May 2026.

For the first five months of 2026 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 36.2% over the same period in 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 39.6%. A visible trade deficit of $242.2 billion, equivalent to 8.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first five months of 2026.

Comparing the three-month period ending May 2026 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 17.1%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 16.3%.

Analysis by country/territory

Comparing May 2026 with May 2025, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 44.6%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Singapore (+114.2%), Taiwan (+90.2%), Vietnam (+67.8%), Thailand (+56.0%), and Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (+48.5%).

Apart from destinations in Asia, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the United Kingdom (+61.7%) and the USA (+55.7%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Korea (+107.4%), India (+95.2%), Vietnam (+76.5%), Malaysia (+60.2%) and the Mainland (+51.2%).

Comparing the first five months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Singapore (+91.5%), Taiwan (+66.6%), Thailand (+54.3%), Malaysia (+53.9%), the USA (+46.8%) and the Mainland (+39.1%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular India (+106.7%), Korea (+105.7%), the United Kingdom (+92.4%), Vietnam (+88.2%) and the Mainland (+45.2%).

Analysis by major commodity

Comparing May 2026 with May 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $114.3 billion or +56.1%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $30.7 billion or +50.2%) and "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $19.2 billion or +37.6%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $108.7 billion or +51.6%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $29.9 billion or +61.2%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $23.6 billion or +44.5%).

Comparing the first five months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $440.1 billion or +45.7%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $123.9 billion or +55.7%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $76.9 billion or +24.4%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $437.6 billion or +45.4%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $166.7 billion or +72.6%) and "non-ferrous metals" (by $83.6 billion or +226.2%).

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that merchandise exports sustained a robust expansion in May, with merchandise exports value growing by 40.8% over a year earlier, underpinned by strong global demand for AI-related electronic products. Exports to most major markets registered notable growth.

Looking ahead, the still-vibrant global demand for AI-related electronic products should continue to support Hong Kong's merchandise trade performance. The recent easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has provided short-term relief to the global economic outlook; however, headwinds remain. The Government will stay vigilant to external risks.

Further information

Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for May 2026. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2023 to May 2026, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.

The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for May 2026 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 May 2026.

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 May 2026 will be released in mid-July 2026.

The May 2026 issue of "Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade" contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong's external merchandise trade in May 2026 and will be available in early July 2026. 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: 3863 2592).

The Census and Statistics Department, Photo source: reference image

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