Hong Kong’s exports and imports both rose faster than expected in November, pointing to resilient external trade momentum despite global uncertainties, government data showed on Monday.
The Census and Statistics Department said exports climbed 18.8 percent from a year earlier to HK$468.9 billion, accelerating from a 17.5 percent rise in October, while imports rose 18.1 percent to HK$517.4 billion, compared with an 18.3 percent increase a month earlier. The city recorded a visible trade deficit of HK$48.5 billion in November.
For the first 11 months of 2025, exports rose 14.3 percent from a year earlier, while imports increased 14.1 percent, leaving a cumulative trade deficit of HK$382.8 billion, or 7.5 percent of total imports.
Exports to Asia rose 17.1 percent year on year in November, with shipments to Malaysia jumping 72.0 percent, Vietnam up 54.9 percent, Taiwan rising 45.3 percent, Thailand gaining 39.6 percent and mainland China increasing 16.4 percent. Exports to the United States surged 44.4 percent, while shipments to the Netherlands climbed 36.4 percent, government data showed.
Imports from most major suppliers also recorded strong growth, led by Vietnam with a 102.3 percent increase, followed by Chinese mainland at 25.0 percent, Malaysia at 21.1 percent, the United Kingdom at 19.7 percent, and the US at 17.8 percent.
By product category, exports of electrical machinery and parts rose 15.9 percent, while telecommunications and audio equipment surged 36.8 percent.
Looking ahead, a government spokesman said sustained moderate global economic growth and continued demand for electronics-related products should support Hong Kong’s merchandise trade in the near term, while authorities remain alert to external uncertainties and will continue efforts to strengthen trade ties with diverse markets.
