Hong Kong's economy grows 5.2 pct in Q3

HONG KONG, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 5.2 percent year on year in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, according to advance estimates released by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday.

The increase accelerated from the 4.2-percent rise registered in Q2, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed.

A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said that the Q3 uptick was underpinned by accelerating growth in exports and solid domestic demand.

Private consumption expenditure increased by 2.8 percent in real terms from a year earlier, the data showed.

Total exports and imports of goods measured in national accounts terms surged 30.4 and 29.9 percent in real terms, respectively. Exports of services climbed 4.3 percent, and imports of services increased by 5.6 percent.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong's economic outlook remains positive, with incoming data pointing to sustained growth momentum, said the spokesperson.

Robust global artificial intelligence investment should continue to underpin Hong Kong's merchandise exports. Exports of services should also benefit from sustained growth in inbound tourism, vibrant cross-boundary traffic and active financial market activities, noted the spokesperson.

Domestically, steady economic expansion, rising employment earnings and a positive business outlook should lend support to consumption and investment, the spokesperson said.

On a note of caution, the spokesperson pointed to uncertainties in the external environment, particularly those surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and tighter monetary policies adopted by major central banks.