Hong Kong exports up 10.9% in first quarter of 2025 amid US-China trade war

The value of Hong Kong’s exports rose by 10.9 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, while imports also increased by 9.8 per cent in the period, amid a trade war initiated by the United States.

Trade data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Monday also showed the value of the city’s exports and imports of goods increased by 18.5 per cent and 16.6 per cent respectively in March.

This followed year-on-year increases of 15.4 per cent and 11.8 per cent, respectively, in February.

In March, the value of exports increased to HK$455.5 billion (US$58.7 billion), year on year, while the value of imports recorded an annual increase of 16.6 per cent to HK$500.9 billion.

For the first quarter as a whole, the value of total exports increased by 10.9 per cent over the same period in 2024, while the value of imports of goods increased by 9.8 per cent. There was a trade deficit of HK$80.7 billion.

Commenting on the March figures, a government spokesman said: “Exports to the mainland grew strongly, while those to other major Asian economies showed mixed performance. Exports to the United States increased visibly, and those to the European Union registered a marginal increase.