Bank loan demand fell in almost every sector in the three months to September, according to figures released by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Total loans made in Hong Kong in September fell to HK$2.09 trillion, down 6.6 per cent year on year and 0.8 per cent from August.
The authority said September's bank loans for use outside Hong Kong fell to HK$256.29 billion, down 4.7 per cent from August. Loans to be used in Hong Kong fell by 0.2 per cent to HK$1.84 trillion.
The authority said lending declined in every sector in the September quarter with the exception of trade financing.
Demand for trade financing related loans had risen for two consecutive quarters due to the strong growth in external trade, it said.
Hong Kong dollar denominated loans increased to HK$1.62 trillion in September, up 0.2 per cent from August, while foreign currency loans fell 4.1 per cent to HK$471.88 billion.
Total bank deposits stood at HK$3.28 trillion at the end of September, unchanged from August but down 5.3 per cent year on year.