Hong Kong’s retail sales rose 6.6 percent in December from a year earlier, missing market expectations for a 7.9 percent increase, government data showed on Tuesday, as the recovery in consumer spending continued but remained uneven across sectors.
The value of total retail sales climbed to HK$35.0 billion in December, accelerating slightly from a revised 6.5 percent rise in November, according to the Census and Statistics Department.
Online sales remained a key driver, jumping 30.9 percent year-on-year to HK$3.1 billion and accounting for 8.8 percent of total retail sales. In volume terms, retail sales increased 5.1 percent from a year earlier after adjusting for price changes.
Sales of jewellery, watches and valuable gifts rose 14.3 percent in December, while electrical goods and other consumer durable goods surged nearly 59 percent. Motor vehicles and parts also posted solid growth, up 8.9 percent.
However, clothing-related categories continued to struggle. Sales of wearing apparel fell 10.3 percent, while footwear and accessories dropped 10 percent. Furniture and fixtures declined 7.9 percent, underscoring persistent pressure on discretionary spending.
For 2025 as a whole, total retail sales rose a modest 1 percent in value to HK$380.5 billion, while sales volume remained broadly flat compared with 2024. Online retail sales increased 12.8 percent to HK$35.7 billion.
Looking ahead, a government spokesman said improving local consumption sentiment underpinned by robust economic growth momentum, together with continued vibrant growth in inbound visitors, will continue to be favourable to retail businesses.
