Hong Kong's Exports and Imports Values Soar by 53.4% and 45.4% respectively in June 2026

External merchandise trade statistics for June 2026

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 27) the external merchandise trade statistics for June 2026. In June 2026, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 53.4% and 45.4% respectively.

In June 2026, the value of total exports of goods increased by 53.4% over a year earlier to $641.1 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 40.8% in May 2026. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 45.4% over a year earlier to $693.0 billion in June 2026, after a year-on-year increase by 42.0% in May 2026. A visible trade deficit of $52.0 billion, equivalent to 7.5% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in June 2026.

For the first half of 2026 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 39.1% over the same period in 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 40.6%. A visible trade deficit of $294.6 billion, equivalent to 7.9% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first half of 2026.

Comparing the second quarter of 2026 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 13.8%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 9.0%.

The Census and Statistics Department, Photo source: reference image

Analysis by country/territory

Comparing June 2026 with June 2025, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 54.4%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Singapore (+83.0%), Taiwan (+79.9%), Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (+59.2%), Vietnam (+55.9%) and Thailand (+52.3%).

Apart from destinations in Asia, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations in other regions, in particular the USA (+114.3%) and Mexico (+94.2%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Korea (+176.7%), Vietnam (+106.8%), India (+95.4%), Malaysia (+62.4%) and the Mainland (+41.0%).

Comparing the first half of 2026 with the same period in 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Singapore (+90.1%), Taiwan (+68.8%), the USA (+57.8%), Thailand (+53.9%), the United Arab Emirates (+53.8%) and the Mainland (+42.4%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Korea (+117.8%), India (+104.6%), Vietnam (+91.8%), the United Kingdom (+85.0%) and the Mainland (+44.4%).

Photo source: reference image

Analysis by major commodity

Comparing June 2026 with June 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 $121.8 billion or +57.2%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $45.9 billion or +93.2%) and "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $32.8 billion or +69.9%).

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 $120.7 billion or +54.2%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $37.4 billion or +67.3%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $24.6 billion or +53.6%).

Comparing the first half 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 $560.9 billion or +47.7%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $156.7 billion or +58.2%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $122.6 billion or +33.7%).

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 $557.6 billion or +47.0%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $204.0 billion or +71.5%) and "non-ferrous metals" (by $93.0 billion or +197.8%).

Photo source: reference image

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that merchandise exports continued to surge in June. The value of merchandise exports grew by 53.4% over a year earlier, as global demand for AI-related electronic products stayed strong. Exports to most major markets continued to increase markedly.

Looking ahead, the robust demand for AI-related electronic products globally should render continued support to Hong Kong's merchandise trade performance. Yet, the recent re-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East deserves attention. The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation for any implications on export performance.

Photo source: reference image

Further information

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 2026 will be released in mid-August 2026.

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

Statement by Chief Justice of Court of Final Appeal

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Regarding the multiple instances of judicial copying in the judgments written by Mr Justice Wilson Chan of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal,made the following statement today (July 27):

The primary duty of a judge in adjudicating cases is to hear and determine them in accordance with the applicable law and the evidence presented before the court. In doing so, a judge must exercise an independent judicial mind in carefully considering and resolving the issues raised and in determining the disputes before the court. The exercise of independent judicial judgment, which lies at the heart of the adjudicative process, is principally reflected in the reasons and judgments delivered by the judge.

Judicial copying strikes at the very core of this fundamental requirement. It raises serious concerns as to whether a judge has brought an independent mind to bear on the issues and disputes requiring determination. Such conduct is wholly unacceptable.

The public concern arising from the multiple instances of judicial copying involving Mr Justice Wilson Chan in recent years is fully recognised. The high standards expected by the community of both the Judiciary and individual judges are entirely justified.

Notwithstanding the severe reprimand previously issued and the undertaking given by Mr Justice Chan to improve, judicial copying has continued to occur. A number of appeals have arisen over time, some of which have led to orders for retrial. Such conduct has not only adversely affected the interests of the parties concerned and imposed an unnecessary burden on appellate judicial resources, but has also undermined public confidence in Mr Justice Chan's continued ability to discharge his judicial responsibilities properly.

Having given the matter the most serious and careful consideration, I have concluded that further action is required to safeguard public confidence in the administration of justice and in the independent and professional discharge of judicial duties. I have therefore today formally requested Mr Justice Chan to take early retirement from judicial office. Mr Justice Chan has submitted his retirement application accordingly, and I have approved it in the public interest, effective 31 July 2026.

Although these incidents of judicial copying relate to a single judge, I have taken this opportunity to remind judges and judicial officers at all levels of the court system of the importance of avoiding any form of judicial copying. Training in judgment writing will also be strengthened where appropriate.

I remain fully confident that judges and judicial officers will continue to perform their duties diligently, independently and professionally, in accordance with the Judicial Oath.

Source: AI-found images