Latest Developments
Gross Domestic Product and its major components (PDF) (Excel)
Latest situation
The Hong Kong economy continued to expand robustly in the second quarter of 2026, underpinned by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew further by 4.3% in the second quarter over a year earlier, following 5.9% growth in the preceding quarter. Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy should continue to pose solid growth in the second half of 2026. Vibrant global demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related products should bolster merchandise exports, while exports of services should benefit from sustained growth in visitor arrivals and steady demand for financial and business services. Domestic demand is expected to stay firm, supported by stable labour market conditions, and solid business and consumer sentiments. Nonetheless, the lingering external headwinds, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, uncertainties surrounding the monetary policy of the United States and trade protectionist measures among major advanced economies, still warrant close surveillance. The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the second quarter of 2026, as well as the revised GDP forecast for 2026, will be released on 14 August 2026.
External sector (PDF) (Excel)
Latest situation
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.
- Link to press release of external merchandise trade statistics
- Link to press release of volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade
Prices (PDF) (Excel)
Latest situation
The underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.9% in June over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Increases in prices of fuel-related items continued to accelerate, while relatively modest price pressures in other components partly offset the overall rise.
Looking ahead, consumer price inflation is expected to rise in the coming months as the earlier surges in international oil prices continue to feed through. The recent moderation in international oil prices from previous peaks may provide some relief; however, the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East warrants close monitoring. Meanwhile, price pressures in other areas remain largely contained, which should keep overall inflation at a moderate level.
Labour market (PDF) (Excel)
Latest situation
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in April – June 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment increased slightly.
Looking ahead, the ongoing economic expansion should continue to support the overall labour market, though the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers during the summer may bring some impact. The Government is also closely monitoring the potential implications of the external uncertainties on corporate hiring sentiment.
- Link to press release of unemployment and underemployment statistics
- Link to press release of statistics on persons engaged and vacancies
- Link to press release of wage and payroll statistics
Retail and other economic indicators (PDF) (Excel)
Latest situation
The value of total retail sales continued to increase solidly by 7.9% in May over a year earlier. Sales of most broad types of retail outlet registered growth.
Looking ahead, the ongoing economic expansion and sustained growth in local labour earnings, together with continued increase in inbound visitors, should benefit the retail businesses. The Government will closely monitor the potential implications of the evolving external uncertainties on the local consumption market.
Other Economic Indicators
Hong Kong population (PDF) (Excel)
Regional headquarters/offices and external investments (PDF) (Excel)
- Link to press release of annual survey of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies located outside Hong Kong
- Link to press release of Hong Kong's balance of payments and international investment position statistics