Hong Kong's trade deficit narrowed to $36.3 billion in February 2025 from $41.7 billion in the same month of the previous year, as exports grew at a faster pace than imports.
Hong Kong trade deficit narrows in February
Exports surged by 15.4% year-on-year to $327.9 billion, marking the strongest growth in recent months. This increase was primarily driven by higher overseas demand for office machinery and automatic data processing machines (68.9%), power-generating machinery and equipment (37.4%), and electrical machinery, apparatus, appliances, and electrical parts (20.8%). Strong global technology demand and increased investment in infrastructure projects contributed to these gains.
Import rise by double digits
Meanwhile, imports rose by 11.8% from a year earlier to $364.2 billion, reflecting increased purchases of office machines and automatic data processing machines (76.3%), power-generating machinery and equipment (53.9%), and non-ferrous metals (28.2%). The rise in imports suggests a continued recovery in domestic consumption and business investment, as firms acquire more equipment and raw materials to meet growing demand.
Year-to-date figures
Considering the first two months of 2025, Hong Kong’s cumulative trade deficit stood at $34.6 billion, compared to a larger gap in the same period a year earlier. Exports for January and February combined increased by 6.5%, while imports rose by 5.7%, pointing to sustained improvement in trade activity despite global economic uncertainties. The rebound in exports, particularly in high-tech and industrial goods, highlights Hong Kong’s resilience as a trade hub amid shifting supply chain dynamics and evolving international market conditions.
