AI fuels boom as Hong Kong exports soar 53% to record HK$641 billion in June
In first half of 2026, total exports increased by 39.1 per cent from a year earlier, while imports grew 40.6 per cent
Hong Kong exports rose 53.4 per cent year on year in June, their sharpest increase in 42 years, to a record HK$641.1 billion (US$81.7 billion) on strong overseas demand for AI-related products.
Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Monday showed that the total value of exports climbed to HK$641.1 billion last month, after a 40.8 per cent surge in May.
The last time exports rose more than 50 per cent in a month was in March 1987, and the last time they outperformed the June increase was in March 1984, when they surged 61.6 per cent.
A government spokesman said the strong growth in exports last month was underpinned by sustained global demand for electronic products related to artificial intelligence (AI), with most major markets continuing to show remarkable growth.
“Looking ahead, the robust demand for AI-related electronic products globally should render continued support to Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance,” he said. “Yet, the recent re-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East deserves attention.”
Imports rose 45.4 per cent to HK$693 billion, leading to a trade deficit of HK$51.9 billion, which is equivalent to 7.5 per cent of the value of imports of goods in June.