Hong Kong's exports have fallen for the 15th consecutive month in July, despite a slight improvement from the previous month.

According to official figures released on Thursday, exports dropped 9.1 percent last month compared to the same period a year earlier.

Shipments to the mainland, the United States and the European Union saw contraction last month, with the mainland recording the most significant decline of around 15 percent.

Imports were also down 7.9 percent on a year-on-year basis in the same month.

Looking ahead, the government said it expects the challenges arising from the external environment to persist and exert pressure on Hong Kong's exports in the near term.