The growth pace of Hong Kong's retail sales was up by 8.6 percent year on year to HK$31.4 billion in April but slowed compared to a month earlier.

Data released by the Census and Statistics Department also showed that the revised estimate of the value of total retail sales stood at almost HK$34 billion in March, an increase of 12.8 percent year on year.

In terms of volume, retail sales rose by 6.4 percent year on year in April, after seeing an annual growth rate of 9.8 percent in March.

By categories, sales of motor vehicles and parts increased the most in April, up by around 46 percent year on year in value terms, while that of jewellery, watches and clocks as well as valuable gifts rose by nearly 20 percent.

Sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified were up by nearly 22 percent from a year ago.

On the other hand, sales of fuels declined the most during the period, dropping 11.7 percent year on year, while that of Chinese drugs and herbs were 8.5 percent lower than a year ago.

Commenting on the figures, a government spokesman said that total retail sales increased "solidly" in April, with growth seen in sales of most broad types of retail outlets.

"Looking ahead, the retail sector should continue to benefit from ongoing economic expansion, notable increase in inbound visitors and resilient consumption sentiment," he said.

"The government will stay alert to the downside risk arising from the evolving geopolitical tensions and their possible effects on the local consumption market."

Taking the first four months of the year together, retail sales rose by 11.3 percent year on year in terms of the value, and advanced by 9 percent in terms of volume.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden