Hong Kong's foreign trade gained momentum in September, with exports rising by 16.1 percent year on year, notably faster than the 14.5 percent increase seen a month earlier, while imports also grew more than expected.

Official figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Monday showed that the value of the city's outbound shipments rose for the 19th consecutive month to HK$462.3 billion, compared with the HK$436.5 billion registered in August.

Imports, meanwhile, rose for the ninth month in a row to HK$512.5 billion last month, up 13.6 percent year on year, and about two percent more compared with the 11.5 percent increase seen in August when the total value stood at around HK$462 billion.

The latest figures left the city with a trade deficit of HK$50.2 billion, or about 10 percent of the value of imports in September.

Commenting on the data, a government spokesperson noted that outbound shipments to the mainland and other Asian markets saw robust growth, rising by 16.7 percent and 18.3 percent respectively, while those to the US and the European Union "grew moderately".

"Looking ahead, Hong Kong's merchandise trade performance should continue to be underpinned by the sustained expansion in the global economy," the spokesperson said.

"The government's ongoing endeavour in enhancing economic and trade ties with different markets also helps.

"Yet, the United States' trade policy will continue to cast uncertainties on the near-term outlook of international trade flows," the spokesperson added, noting the government would continue to be vigilant and monitor the situation.