Hong Kong's trade sector witnessed an extraordinary expansion in September, with total goods exports soaring by 64.9% compared to the previous year. This substantial increase was largely attributed to the escalating worldwide demand for electronic components linked to artificial intelligence. Concurrently, total imports also recorded a significant jump of 57.8% year-on-year, reaching an impressive $808.9 billion. This strong performance follows an already vigorous August, which saw export growth of 53.0% and import growth of 60.0%.
The first nine months of 2026 underscore this upward trajectory, with total goods exports expanding by 45.2% and imports by 45.0% year-on-year. This growth resulted in a visible trade deficit of $417.7 billion, representing 7.0% of goods imports for the period. Regionally, exports to Asia experienced a 67.5% increase, with Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Mainland China leading the growth. Beyond Asia, Mexico and the USA also showed substantial increases in demand. On the import side, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Mainland China were the primary drivers of growth.
A government spokesperson highlighted that the remarkable 64.9% year-on-year rise in merchandise exports for September represents the twentieth consecutive month of double-digit growth and the most rapid monthly expansion in over forty years. This unprecedented surge was predominantly driven by electrical machinery, apparatus, and appliances, along with electrical parts, which collectively saw a 66.2% increase in exports, totaling $155.6 billion. Office and automatic data processing machines also contributed significantly, with an 83.7% rise to $87.7 billion. Similarly, imports in these key commodity categories, especially electrical machinery and appliances, demonstrated robust growth, increasing by $953.6 billion or 51.3%.
This remarkable economic performance reflects Hong Kong's resilience and its strategic position in global trade, particularly within the burgeoning AI and electronics sectors. The sustained demand for high-tech products suggests a bright future for the city's export-oriented economy, reinforcing its status as a vital hub for innovation and technological advancement. This positive trend not only boosts economic confidence but also encourages further investment in technology and infrastructure, paving the way for continued prosperity and global competitiveness.