Hong Kong: The overall export value of goods rose 14.5% year on year in August, and the overall import value of goods rose 11.5% year on year

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on September 25, foreign merchandise trade statistics released by the Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Government showed that in August 2025, Hong Kong's overall export and import values both recorded year-on-year increases of 14.5% and 11.5%, respectively. Following a 14.3% year-on-year increase in July 2025, the overall export value of goods in August 2025 was HK$436.6 billion, up 14.5% from the same month of 2024. Meanwhile, after recording a 16.5% year-on-year increase in July 2025, the value of goods imported in August 2025 was HK$462 billion, up 11.5% from the same month of 2024. A tangible trade deficit of HK$25.4 billion was recorded in August 2025, equivalent to 5.5% of the value of imported goods.

The overall export and import values of commodities in the first eight months of 2025 both increased by 13.0% compared to the same period in 2024. A tangible trade deficit of HK$243.3 billion was recorded in the first eight months of 2025, equivalent to 6.8% of the value of imported goods.

Seasonally adjusted figures show that the overall export value of commodities decreased by 2.9% in the three months ended August 2025 compared to the previous three months. At the same time, the value of imported goods fell by 2.0%.

Compared with August 2025 and the same month of 2024, the overall value of exports to Asia increased by 12.6%. Within this region, increases were recorded in the overall value of exports to most major destinations, particularly Malaysia (up 73.6%), Vietnam (up 54.3%), the Philippines (up 36.9%), Taiwan Province of China (up 33.7%), Thailand (up 28.9%), and mainland China (up 8.2%).

In addition to destinations in Asia, the overall value of exports to most major destinations in other regions recorded increases, particularly the Netherlands (up 65.7%), the United Kingdom (up 55.8%), and the US (up 17.3%).

Over the same period, the value of imports from most major suppliers recorded increases, particularly Vietnam (up 80.8%), Malaysia (up 14.6%), Japan (up 13.3%), Mainland China (up 12.4%), and Taiwan Province of China (up 5.5%). On the other hand, the value of imports from South Korea (down 11.5%) recorded a decline.

The first eight months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024 recorded increases in the overall value of exports to most major destinations, particularly Vietnam (up 52.7%), Malaysia (up 45.3%), Taiwan Province of China (up 39.8%), Mainland China (up 16.4%), and Japan (up 15.0%). On the other hand, the overall value of exports to the United Arab Emirates (down 14.9%) recorded a decline.

Over the same period, the value of imports from most major suppliers recorded increases, particularly Vietnam (up 81.1%), the United Kingdom (up 43.1%), Taiwan Province of China (up 30.2%), Malaysia (21.4%), and mainland China (up 11.8%). On the other hand, the value of imports from South Korea (down 17.5%) recorded a decline.

Compared with August 2025 and the same month of 2024, the overall export value of most major commodity categories recorded increases, particularly “electrical machinery, instruments and equipment and parts” (up HK$29.4 billion, up 15.7%) and “communications, recording and audio equipment and instruments” (up HK$11 billion, up 23.9%).

Over the same period, imports of most major categories recorded increases in import values, particularly “electrical machinery, instruments and appliances and parts” (up HK$28.5 billion, up 15.2%) and “communications, recording and audio equipment and instruments” (up HK$14.2 billion, up 32.4%).

Compared between the first eight months of 2025 and the same period in 2024, the overall export value of most major commodity categories recorded increases, particularly “electrical machinery, instruments and tools and parts” (up HK$209.9 billion, up 14.9%) and “office machines and automatic data processing equipment” (up HK$125.8 billion, up 37.6%).

Over the same period, imports of most major categories recorded increases in import values, particularly “electrical machinery, instruments and appliances and parts” (up HK$219.7 billion, up 15.7%) and “office machines and automatic data processing equipment” (up HK$115.6 billion, up 42.7%).

A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said that the value of commodity exports in August increased significantly by 14.5% year-on-year. Exports to mainland China and most other Asian markets continued to record steady growth, while exports to the US and the European Union turned up. At the same time, exports of most major commodities also increased. In particular, exports of electrical equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances continued to be strong.

Looking ahead, continued economic growth in Asia, particularly in mainland China, and the increasingly close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and various markets should continue to support Hong Kong's commodity trade performance. However, US trade policy will continue to affect the short-term outlook for international trade flows. The Hong Kong Government will closely monitor the situation and remain alert.