Hong Kong retail recovery rolls on for third month as July sales rise 1.8%

A recent improvement in Hong Kong’s retail sector spilled into July, with sales rising by 1.8 per cent year on year in a sign that the industry had stabilised, the government said on Monday.

According to the Census and Statistics Department, the increase marked the third month in a row of growth following 14 consecutive months of decline.

The 1.8 per cent increase in retail sales, to HK$29.7 billion, was bigger than the revised 0.7 per cent year-on-year rise in June.

A government spokesman said that “local consumption sentiment should remain steady”.

“The government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega-events will also benefit retail businesses,” he said.

However, in the first seven months of the year, the total value of retail sales contracted by 2.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2024.