Census and Statistics Department
Coverage of Census and Statistics Department in the Nexus archive.
- Hong Kong retail sales rise 4.6% in June as growth streak extends to 14 months
Hong Kong’s retail sales increased by 4.6% year on year in June, extending a 14-month growth streak. The first half of the year saw a 9.6% rise in retail sales compared to the same period in 2025, supported by economic growth, rising incomes, and increased visitors.
- Hong Kong to raise annual GDP forecast after robust growth in first half of 2026
Hong Kong will raise its full-year GDP forecast due to stronger-than-expected growth in the first half of 2026. The finance chief announced plans to promote the global use of the yuan following the debut of offshore Chinese government bond futures on the local stock exchange.
- Hong Kong retail sales grow 7.9% in May, extending winning streak to 13 months
Hong Kong’s retail sales increased by 7.9% year-on-year in May, reaching HK$33.8 billion, driven by higher visitor numbers during mainland China’s Labour Day golden week holiday. This marks the 13th consecutive month of growth.
- Hong Kong exports rise by nearly 41% in May as AI keeps fuelling demand
Hong Kong exports grew by 40.8% year-on-year in May 2024, reaching HK$611.2 billion (US$77.95 billion), driven by demand for AI-related products. This marked the second consecutive month of export growth exceeding 40%.
- Hong Kong retail sales rise 8.6% in April on back of higher visitor arrivals
Hong Kong’s retail sales increased by 8.6% year on year in April 2026, reaching HK$31.4 billion, driven by higher visitor arrivals and holiday spending. This marks the 12th consecutive month of recovery for the sector, with sales for the first four months of 2026 rising 11.3% compared to the same period the previous year.
- Hong Kong exports surge 43% in April, driven by strong demand for AI electronics
Hong Kong's exports surged 43% year-on-year in April 2024, driven by strong global demand for AI-related electronics. The Census and Statistics Department reported total export value reached HK$620.9 billion (US$79.3 billion), though the government cautioned that escalating Middle East tensions could impact the near-term outlook.
- Hong Kong’s tourism rebound needs new measures of success
Hong Kong's tourism is recovering with visitor numbers up 17% in the first quarter, but spending growth lags behind footfall recovery. The city's economy grew 5.9% year-on-year, its strongest quarterly performance in nearly five years, though officials must adjust their success metrics to account for the divergence between visitor volume and consumer spending.