Hong Kong's merchandise exports surged 42.9% year-on-year in April 2026 to HK$620.9 billion, the Census and Statistics Department reported on May 28. For the first four months of the year, total exports reached HK$2,166.4 billion, up 35% from the same period in 2025.
Bruce Pang, Director of Research at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attributed the strong performance to a global AI-led application upcycle and robust demand for information and communications technology (ICT) equipment. "The recent surge in Hong Kong's exports has been driven primarily by the global AI-led application upcycle and strong demand for ICT equipment, reinforced by supply chain reconfiguration in Asia," Pang said. He also noted that higher unit prices amid rising costs contributed to the increase in trade values.
As a key re-export hub for electronic components and intermediate goods, Hong Kong is well positioned to benefit from the ongoing AI-driven technology upcycle, according to HKTDC. Robust demand for chips, AI-enabled products and ICT equipment across major markets, including the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN production bases and the United States, continues to underpin regional trade flows. For further analysis, see HKTDC Research's report: AI Surge Bolsters Electronics Industry from Geopolitical Headwinds.
Elevated oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, together with rising semiconductor costs, have also boosted trade values. While this largely reflects price effects rather than volume expansion, it is likely to continue supporting headline trade figures in the near term. The improved trade environment following the China-US leaders' meeting in May is expected to further support business sentiment by reducing uncertainties.
Looking ahead, HKTDC expects Hong Kong's export performance to maintain solid growth momentum for the rest of the year, underpinned by its role as a critical node in regional and global supply chains. However, trade prospects remain subject to geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East, as well as the trajectory of energy prices, which could affect trade flows and end-market demand.
For more information, visit the HKTDC Media Room at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en.
