Hong Kong’s exports and imports both rose for September, according to data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Wednesday, with the increase in exports marking the fastest monthly year-on-year growth in more than four decades.

The value of total exports of goods surged by 64.9 percent compared to a year earlier to HK$762.6 billion in September.

It followed a year-on-year increase of 53 percent in August.

The value of imports also went up by 57.8 percent over a year earlier to HK$808.9 billion last month.

A trade deficit of HK$417.7 billion – equivalent to seven percent of the imports value – was recorded in the first nine months of the year.

A government spokesman said AI-related electronic products continued to drive the city’s trade performance, and the growth in exports marked a double-digit growth for the 20th straight month.

It noted that exports to all major destinations have surged remarkably.

“Looking ahead, Hong Kong's merchandise trade performance will continue to benefit from the prevailing wave of robust AI-related investment and the resilient global economic growth,” the statement read.

“Nonetheless, external uncertainties warrant close monitoring, including the Middle East conflict, trade protectionist measures by major economies, and risks associated with the rapid expansion of global investment in AI.”


Edited by Aaron Tam