Exports surge 53.4% in June on AI-driven demand

Total exports reached $3.42t in the first six months of 2026.

Hong Kong’s merchandise exports rose 53.4% year-on-year (YoY) to $641.1b in June amidst strong global demand for artificial intelligence -related electronics, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

Total exports reached $3.42t in the first six months of the year, up 39.1% from the same period in 2025.

YoY growth in total exports to Asia, Mainland China, and the US also accelerated in June compared with May, said Bruce Pang, director of research at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). 

The council maintained its forecast for merchandise exports to grow by over 20% for the full year.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland have been subject to a 12.5% US tariff since 24 July, replacing the previous temporary universal tariff of 10%.

HKTDC said the effect on the city’s exports to the US could be limited because exemptions remain for certain electronic products, which account for most of the city’s shipments to the market.

However, export growth is expected to moderate in the coming months as the technology upcycle stabilises, the global economy slows, and the comparative base from last year rises.

“Recent renewed conflicts have pushed oil prices higher, while concerns over rising inflationary pressures have prompted a number of central banks to tighten monetary policy,” HKTDC added.