Hong Kong’s exports surged 28.8 percent while the economy grew 4.3 percent in the second quarter of this year over a year earlier, government data shows.

The Census and Statistics Department announced the figures on Friday as it released its advance estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter.

The special administrative region government said the city’s economy continued to expand robustly in the second quarter, underpinned by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand.

The 4.3 percent GDP growth marks a slowdown from the 5.9 percent increase registered in the first quarter of this year. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, real GDP decreased by 0.6 percent.

Analyzed by major GDP component, private consumption expenditure rose by 2.9 percent in real terms in Q2 of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with a 4.9 percent rise in the previous quarter.

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Government consumption expenditure measured in national accounts terms recorded a 0.5 percent year-on-year increase, compared with a 2.8 percent rise in Q1.

Total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms saw an increase of 28.8 percent in Q2 of this year over a year earlier, accelerating from the growth of 23.8 percent in the first quarter, according to the data.

Over the same period, imports of goods measured in national accounts terms rose by 29.3 percent, compared with a 29.9 percent rise in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, exports of services rose by 3.4 percent in Q2 year-on-year, after the increase of 3.3 percent in the first quarter. Imports of services increased by 2.8 percent year-on-year over the same period, compared with a 3.8 percent rise in the previous quarter.

Looking ahead, a government spokesman said the Hong Kong economy should continue to post solid growth in the second half of 2026.

“Vibrant global demand for artificial intelligence-related products should bolster merchandise exports, while exports of services should benefit from sustained growth in visitor arrivals and steady demand for financial and business services,” reads a government press release.

Domestic demand is expected to stay firm, supported by stable labor market conditions and solid business and consumer sentiments, the release added.

Nonetheless, lingering external headwinds, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, uncertainties surrounding US monetary policy and trade protectionist measures among major advanced economies still warrant close surveillance, added the spokesman.