Hong Kong's exports rose by 17.5 percent year on year in October amid robust demand in shipments to major markets, with the government expecting external factors to further boost the city's foreign trade in the near future.

The value of the SAR's shipments reached HK$461.8 billion, according to official data from the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday.

The increase also marks the strongest year-on-year growth since March.

A government spokesperson said the value of exports "grew markedly further" as shipments to "most major markets saw robust growth".

Total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 15.6 percent compared with the same period last year, with shipments to Malaysia posting close to a 140 percent increase.

For major destinations outside of Asia, exports to the United States rose by 40.5 percent.

Imports also continued to grow, hitting HK$501.7 billion for an increase of 18.3 percent year on year and resulting in a trade deficit of HK$39.9 billion.

"Looking ahead, sustained moderate growth of the global economy, coupled with easing in external trade policy uncertainty recently and persistent demand for electronic-related products, should be conducive to Hong Kong's merchandise trade growth in the near term," the spokesperson said.

"The government's ongoing effort to enhance Hong Kong's economic and trade ties with different markets will also continue to provide support."

But authorities also warned of "the lingering impacts of trade barriers", saying they would continue to be vigilant.