Hong Kong's June Exports Surge 53.4% as AI Demand Drives Growth, HKTDC Reports

Hong Kong’s merchandise exports jumped 53.4% year on year to HK$641.1 billion in June 2026, according to data released by the Census and Statistics Department. For the first half of 2026, total exports reached HK$3,416.0 billion, up 39.1% from the same period last year. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) attributed the robust growth to strong demand for electronics, particularly amid the global acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.

Bruce Pang, Director of Research at the HKTDC, noted that the year-on-year growth rates of total exports to Asia, the Chinese Mainland and the USA all accelerated in June compared with May. However, the United States implemented new tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, effective 24 July 2026. The 12.5% tariff replaces the previous 10% universal tariffs that expired on the same date. Despite the increase, many electronic products remain exempt, which account for the majority of Hong Kong’s exports to the U.S., limiting the tariff impact. An anticipated meeting between Chinese and U.S. leaders in September, along with continued bilateral dialogue, may further ease trade tensions.

Looking ahead, global prospects hinge on Middle East developments. Renewed conflicts have pushed oil prices higher, and rising inflationary pressures have prompted some central banks to tighten monetary policy. Persisting tensions could slow global economic growth and end-market demand. Mr. Pang cautioned that Hong Kong’s export growth may moderate in coming months due to a gradual steadying of the technology upcycle, a cooling global economy, and a high-base effect from last year. Nevertheless, the HKTDC maintains its forecast that full-year 2026 exports will grow by over 20%.

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