Construction output rises in Q1 on public works surge; private sector slumps

Government projects offset a double-digit drop in private building activity.

Hong Kong’s construction output grew in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, supported by strong gains in public sector works despite a decline in private sector activity, according to provisional data from the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).

The total gross value of construction works (GVCW) performed by main contractors rose 2.9% year on year (YoY) in nominal terms to $72.7b in the quarter. In real terms, which adjusts for price changes, GVCW increased 1.0% over the same period. 

Public sector construction works increased 17.8% to $35.9b, whilst private sector works fell 15.9% to $16.5b. In real terms, public works rose 14.1%, whilst private works declined 18.2%.

Construction works at locations other than construction sites, which include repair, maintenance, and installation activities, decreased 1.3% in nominal terms to $20.4b, but increased 1.8% in real terms.

By end-use category, residential building projects rose 7.6% YoY in nominal terms to $22.5b. Transport-related projects declined 7.4% to $8.1b.

On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, total GVCW increased 6.6% in nominal terms and 6.1% in real terms compared with Q4 2025.

The C&SD said the figures cover only work carried out by main contractors, and exclude projects where firms act solely as sub-contractors.