Hong Kong total retail sales in April up 27.7%

Robust local consumption demand and lively tourist spending pushed value of total retail sales up to $32bn.

The value of total retail sales in April was provisionally estimated at $32 billion - 27.7% higher than a year earlier.

According to Census & Statistics Department figures released on Tuesday, after netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the volume of total retail sales rose 21.9% in April compared with a year earlier.

The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in March this year was $31.2 billion, 26.2% higher than March last year. The volume of total retail sales was up 20.2%.

Taking this year's first four months together, total retail sales went up 22.6% in value or 17.7% in volume over the same period a year earlier.

The volume of sales of miscellaneous consumer durable goods increased the most in April, rising 151.9% over the same month last year.

The Government said retail sales remained buoyant in April, reflecting the strong local consumption demand and vibrant tourist spending.

Local consumer sentiment is expected to be well-supported by the improved job and income conditions. Together with the prevailing strength of inbound tourism, the Government said this will continue to be conducive to overall retail business performance in the coming months.