Hong Kong's retail sales in June rose 4.6 percent from a year earlier to HK$31.5 billion.

The 14th straight month of gains was driven by strong online sales growth and robust purchases of jewellery, watches and clocks and valuable gifts.

For the first six months taken together, sales were estimated to be up 9.6 percent from a year ago.

Figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed that online sales in June soared by nearly 12 percent to HK$3 billion year-on-year.

Online sales accounted for 9.4 percent of the month's total retail sales.

Sales of jewellery, watches and valuable gifts jumped by more than 20 percent, to nearly HK$5.5 billion.

Electrical and consumer durable goods soared 11.3 percent to HK$2.4 billion, while other unclassified consumer goods rose 9.3 percent to nearly HK$5 billion.

In commenting on the data, a government spokesman said the latest sales figures indicate that the sector remains on a positive trajectory, with growth observed across many retail categories.

“Continued economic expansion, rising local incomes, and a steady increase in inbound visitors are expected to provide support to the sector. Yet, external uncertainties constitute downside risk. The government will continue to closely monitor the potential impacts of external developments on the local consumption market,” the spokesman added.



Edited by Tony Sabine