Hong Kong's exports grew 1.4 percent year-on-year in October following a 17-month decline, according to official figures released on Monday.

Shipments to the mainland and the United States saw an expansion, while those to the European Union continued to contract.

Imports were up 2.6 percent compared with a year earlier.

Despite the uptick, a government spokesman said exports largely remained weak.

"Looking ahead, the difficult external environment amid heightened geopolitical tensions and tight financial conditions will continue to weigh on Hong Kong's export performance in the near term," the spokesman said.