Hong Kong Exports Surge 35.8% in March, HKTDC Cautiously Optimistic Despite Middle East Tensions

The Census and Statistics Department reported today that Hong Kong’s total merchandise exports surged 35.8% year-on-year in March 2026 to HK$618.4 billion. For the first quarter of 2026, exports totaled HK$1,546.2 billion, a robust 32.0% increase compared with the same period last year, underscoring sustained growth momentum in the city’s external trade.

Bruce Pang, Director of Research at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commented on the figures, noting that Hong Kong’s exports are expected to remain steady in the near term despite elevated energy prices stemming from ongoing tensions in the Middle East. According to Pang, Hong Kong’s trade performance continues to benefit from strong global demand for electronic items and other intermediate goods that are integral to regional and global supply chains.

Pang highlighted that resilient input demand from the Chinese Mainland and other ASEAN production sites, coupled with stable demand from major overseas markets, has provided a solid buffer against external headwinds. While geopolitical uncertainties persist and energy prices are likely to remain relatively high, continued industrial activity in major markets and ongoing supply-chain realignments are expected to support Hong Kong’s trade flows.

‘Overall, we maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook for Hong Kong’s trade performance, while remaining mindful of potential volatility arising from geopolitical developments and cost pressures,’ Pang added.

The HKTDC’s assessment comes as global trade faces multiple challenges, including geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. However, the strong export figures for March and the first quarter suggest that Hong Kong’s role as a key trade hub remains resilient. The city’s exports have been buoyed by the global recovery in manufacturing and the increasing demand for technology components.

For more detailed information, the HKTDC provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. The Council, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, continues to promote Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub, organizing international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

The latest trade figures reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a vital link in global supply chains, with exports showing strong growth despite external uncertainties. The HKTDC’s cautious optimism reflects confidence in the underlying drivers of trade, even as it acknowledges potential risks from geopolitical developments and cost pressures.

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