Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Working Group on Patriotic Education distributes tote bags and badges to local primary school students (with photo)
The Convenor of the WGPE, Dr Starry Lee, said, “The Central Government gifted a pair of giant pandas to the HKSAR, demonstrating the country’s care for Hong Kong and fostering exchanges in areas such as culture and conservation. In celebration of the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR and the upcoming first birthday of the giant panda twin cubs, Jia Jia and De De, tote bags and badges are distributed to local primary school students to share the joy, promote patriotism, and strengthen students’ sense of belonging to our nation.”
The Giant Panda Family tote bags feature Hong Kong’s traditional signage with six adorable and lively giant pandas. Paired with badges displaying messages of promoting love for our country, Hong Kong and our community, patriotic education can be better integrated across campuses and into students’ daily studies and lives in an interesting and diversified manner.
Issued at HKT 16:30
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External merchandise trade statistics for May 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
External merchandise trade statistics for May 2025
In May 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 15.5% over a year earlier to $434.1 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 14.7% in April 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 18.9% over a year earlier to $461.4 billion in May 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 15.8% in April 2025. A visible trade deficit of $27.3 billion, equivalent to 5.9% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in May 2025.
For the first five months of 2025 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 12.6% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 12.9%. A visible trade deficit of $124.7 billion, equivalent to 5.8% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first five months of 2025.
Comparing the three-month period ending May 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 10.0%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.9%.
Analysis by country/territory
Comparing May 2025 with May 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 21.8%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Japan (+96.2%), Malaysia (+55.3%), Taiwan (+54.8%), Vietnam (+41.2%), India (+35.1%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+17.6%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to Korea (-25.6%).
Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the United Kingdom (-52.0%) and the USA (-18.4%).
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+67.3%), the United Kingdom (+49.2%), Taiwan (+33.5%), Malaysia (+27.7%) and the Mainland (+18.5%).
For the first five months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+58.5%), Taiwan (+39.7%), Japan (+20.4%) and the Mainland (+17.9%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-24.0%).
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+76.4%), the United Kingdom (+55.8%), Taiwan (+48.9%), Malaysia (+34.2%) and the Mainland (+9.4%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-19.6%).
Analysis by major commodity
Comparing May 2025 with May 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $27.4 billion or +15.5%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $18.9 billion or +44.9%).
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $40.4 billion or +23.7%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $21.7 billion or +69.4%).
For the first five months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $125.1 billion or +66.1%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $103.3 billion or +12.0%).
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $122.8 billion or +14.6%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $115.9 billion or +81.5%).
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports continued to show resilience, picking up strongly by 15.5% in May over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland and most other Asian markets grew visibly further. Exports to the European Union turned to moderate growth, while those to the United States fell.
Looking ahead, the sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy and Hong Kong’s enhanced economic and trade ties with different markets should render support to trade performance. The Government will continue to closely monitor the external environment and stay vigilant to the elevated geopolitical tensions and uncertainties surrounding trade policies.
Further information
Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for May 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to May 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for May 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for May 2025.
All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for May 2025 will be released in mid-July 2025.
The May 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in May 2025 and will be available in early July 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230
Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
Issued at HKT 16:30
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Wage and payroll statistics for March 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Wage and payroll statistics for March 2025
According to the figures released today (June 26) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed, as measured by the wage index, increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in March 2025 over a year earlier.
About 62% of the companies reported increase in average wage rates in March 2025 compared with a year ago. A total of 34% of the companies recorded decrease in average wage rates over the same period. The remaining 4% reported virtually no change in average wage rates.
After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index (A), the overall average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed increased by 1.6% in real terms in March 2025 over a year earlier.
As for payroll, the index of payroll per person engaged for all the industry sections surveyed increased by 3.2% in nominal terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier.
After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Composite Consumer Price Index, the average payroll per person engaged increased by 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
The wage rate includes basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses. Payroll includes elements covered by wage rate as well as other irregular payments to workers such as discretionary bonuses and overtime allowances. The payroll statistics therefore tend to show relatively larger quarter-to-quarter changes, affected by the number of hours actually worked and the timing of payment of bonuses and back-pay.
Sectoral changes
For the nominal wage indices, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in March 2025, ranging from 3.1% to 4.1%.
For the real wage indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in March 2025, ranging from 1.1% to 2.1%.
The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real wage indices for the selected industry sections from March 2024 to March 2025 are shown in Table 1.
As for the nominal indices of payroll per person engaged, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in the first quarter of 2025, ranging from 2.0% to 3.9%.
For the real payroll indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in the first quarter of 2025, ranging from 0.4% to 2.3%.
The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged for selected industry sections from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 2. The quarterly changes in the seasonally adjusted nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged in the same period are shown in Table 3.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that wages and labour earnings continued to increase in all surveyed industries in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier.
The average wage rate for all selected industries increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in March 2025. After discounting for inflation, the average wage rate increased by 1.6% in real terms.
Payroll per person engaged, which includes basic wage, discretionary bonuses and other irregular payments, rose by 3.2% in nominal terms and 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025.
Looking ahead, the expansion of the Hong Kong economy should render support to labour demand and thus wages and labour earnings, though the external uncertainties and the changing consumption patterns of residents and visitors may continue to pose challenges.
Other information
Both wage indices and payroll indices are compiled quarterly based on the results of the Labour Earnings Survey (LES) conducted by C&SD. Wage index only covers employees up to the supervisory level (i.e. not including managerial and professional employees), whereas payroll index covers employees at all levels and proprietors actively engaged in the work of the establishment.
Apart from the differences in employee coverage, wage statistics are conceptually different from the payroll statistics. Firstly, wage rate for an employee refers to the sum earned for his normal hours of work. It covers basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses, but excludes earnings from overtime work and discretionary bonuses, which are however included in payroll per person engaged. Secondly, the payroll index of an industry is an indicator of the simple average payroll received per person engaged in the industry. Its movement is therefore affected by changes in wage rates, number of hours of work and occupational composition in the industry. In contrast, the wage index of an industry is devised to reflect the pure changes in wage rate, with the occupational composition between two successive statistical periods being kept unchanged. In other words, the wage index reflects the change in the price of labour. Because of these conceptual and enumeration differences between payroll and wage statistics, the movements in payroll indices and in wage indices do not necessarily match closely with each other.
It should also be noted that different consumer price indices are used for compiling the real indices of wage and payroll to take into account the differences in their respective occupation coverage. Specifically, the Composite Consumer Price Index, being an indicator of overall consumer prices, is taken as the price deflator for payroll of workers at all levels of the occupational hierarchy. The Consumer Price Index (A), being an indicator of consumer prices for the relatively low expenditure group, is taken as the price deflator for wages in respect of employees engaged in occupations up to the supervisory level.
Detailed breakdowns of the payroll and wage statistics are published in the “Quarterly Report of Wage and Payroll Statistics, March 2025”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050009&scode=210
For enquiries on wage and payroll statistics, please contact the Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section (1) of C&SD (Tel: 2887 5550 or email: wage@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30
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DH further optimises online registration system for dental general public session
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH further optimises online registration system for dental general public session
(1) Add “iAM Smart” and “eHealth” as channels for registering for GP sessions
Members of the public who wish to register for dental GP sessions may perform real-time identity authentication by logging on to the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps. Their personal particulars (including name, identity document number, gender and date of birth) will be automatically filled into the registration system, reducing registration time and minimising the possibility of manual errors.
(2) Optimise the waiting list mechanism
The registration system is added with a “Cancel Appointment” function. People who are successfully allocated a service quota but wish to cancel the appointment may use the “Enquiry of Ballot Result or Cancel Appointment” function to select “Cancel Appointment” and confirm. The ORDGP will automatically allocate the vacated quota to candidates on the waiting list. Successful waitlisted applicants will receive an SMS notification by 9pm on the day of registration. For easy authentication, SMS messages issued by the DH bear the identification “#DH-DENT GP” with the prefix “#”. Relevant SMS messages will not contain hyperlinks.
(3) Enhance the enquiry function of the ballot results
Those who registered via the website only need to provide their Hong Kong identity card (ID) number and date of birth to enquire about their registration records or ballot results. They do not need to enter the date of issuance of their ID cards. Those accessing the registration system through the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps do not need to re-enter their personal details to enquire about their registration records or ballot results.
(4) Add the enquiry service of successful appointment record in “eHealth”
Members of the public who registered for the dental GP sessions and are successfully allocated service quotas through the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps, the person, along with their family members or carers registered with “eHealth”, can check their relevant appointment records of service quota through the “eHealth” app.
The ORDGP has been operating smoothly since its launch on December 30, 2024. Members of the public, especially the elderly, no longer need to go to dental clinics to queue in the early morning to compete for a service quota. Since the launch of the ORDGP, the average utilisation rate of the GP sessions is as high as 99 per cent. To optimise the use of public resources, the DH reminds members of the public who have been successfully allocated service quotas to utilise the new “Cancel Appointment” function if they are unable to attend the dental GP sessions, so that the service quotas could be reallocated in time to those with emergency needs.
The scope of services provided by the dental GP sessions includes prescription for pain relief, tooth extraction and management of other urgent conditions (such as oral abscesses). The DH will continuously review the operation and effectiveness of the enhanced ORDGP, with a commitment to improving service accessibility for the public.
Issued at HKT 13:00
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HKMA’s response to media enquiries
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
In response to media enquiries regarding triggering of the weak-side Convertibility Undertaking under the Linked Exchange Rate System, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has the following responses:
The weak-side Convertibility Undertaking (CU) of HK$7.85 to US$1 under the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) was triggered during the New York trading hours earlier this morning. The HKMA sold US dollars (USD) for Hong Kong dollars (HKD) of HK$9.42 billion upon the request of banks. The Aggregate Balance will reduce to HK$164.1 billion on June 27. The weak-side CU was last triggered in May 2023.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, stated, “The strong-side CU was triggered several times in early May, resulting in total inflows of HK$129.4 billion. The subsequent abundance of liquidity in the HKD market led to a decline in HKD interbank rates, and the widened HKD-USD interest rate differential incentivized carry trade activities that sold HKD for USD, causing the HKD exchange rate to weaken. Furthermore, market demand for HKD declined recently due to a combination of factors, including the peaking of the stock dividend payout season, the currency conversion of HKD proceeds raised from recent IPOs or bond issuances by non-local companies for repatriation, as well as the wrapping up of the seasonal half-year-end funding preparation. These factors collectively led to the triggering of the weak-side CU, which is in line with the operation of the LERS.
“The public should exercise caution in managing their interest rate risks and market risks. Depending on the direction of capital flows and the supply-demand conditions for HKD, the weak-side CU may be triggered again in the future. As the Aggregate Balance declines, HKD interbank rates may increase, which is consistent with the design of the LERS. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market developments and the external environment to ensure the orderly operation of the Hong Kong dollar markets,” he added.
Director General David Wu and Mrs. Wu Attended the Inauguration of the 20th Board of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Wu and Mrs. Wu were honored to attend the inauguration of the 20th Board of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia. On behalf of OCAC Minister Hsu Chia-ching, DG Wu presented a congratulatory letter to Peter Huang, newly elected President of TCCA, and a certificate of appreciation to outgoing President Michael Wu for his outstanding leadership and innovation.
Nearly 200 distinguished guests gathered to celebrate TCCA’s achievements and future, including NSW Shadow Assistant Minister for the Arts, Innovation, Digital Government and the 24-Hour Economy Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Hon. Rachel Merton MLC, Monica Tudehope MP, Mayor of Ryde Trenton Brown, Brisbane City Councillor James Huang, Ku-ring-gai Councillor Barbara Ward, Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Oceania President Frank Chang, as well as leaders from the broad overseas Taiwanese community.
Director General Wu praised President Michael Wu for his leadership in driving innovation within TCCA, and expressed confidence that incoming President Peter Huang will further strengthen cross-community ties, promote Taiwanese culture, and lead the chamber to new milestones.
DG Wu also conveyed ROC (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te’s warm regards and appreciation to the Taiwanese community in Sydney. He reaffirmed the government’s continued support for overseas Taiwanese businesses, noting that in Taiwan’s pursuit of an FTA with Australia and its accession to the CPTPP, TCCA can play a meaningful role in advancing these efforts, which aim to deliver broader economic and strategic benefits to all member economies.
A highlight of the ceremony was a lively animation co-produced by TCCA and TECO Sydney, explaining Taiwan’s CPTPP bid and calling for support from Australia and other member economies. We were also glad to see community leaders from New Zealand, Thailand, Queensland, and Western Australia—showing the strong cross-regional ties of the global Taiwanese community.
Appreciation ceremony of Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair held today (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appreciation ceremony of Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair held today
The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming; representatives of the eight social service organisations under the eConnect Employment Network, the supporting organisation of the job fair, namely the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, the Hong Kong Blind Union, the Hong Kong PHAB Association, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong, SideBySide, the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf; the Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the LWB, Mr Fletch Chan; and the Assistant Commissioner for Labour (Employment Services), Ms Jade Wong, officiated at the ceremony. Representatives of various participating organisations also attended. More than 40 organisations, ranging from small and medium enterprises to large-scale corporations, participated in the two-day job fair, offering over 700 job vacancies from various industries covering information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social welfare, providing employment opportunities to various types of persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the appreciation ceremony, Mr Ho expected that the two-day inclusive job fair could provide a convenient platform for talent and job matching, opening up new means for employers to recruit talent and allowing job seekers with disabilities to connect directly with diverse industries and showcase their talents. He also appealed to the community to actively participate in and support the “Caring Employer” medal under the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme, to promote workplace inclusion and enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
To commend employers who actively engage and support persons with disabilities and foster inclusive workplaces, the LWB has launched the Diverse Abilities · Inclusive Workplace Recognition Scheme on the basis of the existing Talent-Wise Employment Charter, and collaborated with the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to jointly take forward the “Caring Employer” medal. The medal features different categories, covering large corporations, small and medium enterprises, social enterprises/public organisations, and more. The medal is open for application until July 4. Details and application methods have been uploaded to the LWB’s website (www.lwb.gov.hk/en/highlights/charter_scheme/s4.htmlIssued at HKT 16:34
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Hong Kong Customs detects suspected infringing cases involving unauthorised communication of copyright works to public (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected infringing cases involving unauthorised communication of copyright works to public (with photo)Issued at HKT 15:55
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Medical products centre set
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health today announced that the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) will be established by the end of 2026.
Additionally, the department will implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases starting next year, with full implementation by 2030.
At a press conference this morning, Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam said with the CMPR’s establishment, the Government will consolidate the regulatory functions for Western and Chinese medicines as well as medical devices, and enhance the existing regulatory regime in a holistic manner.
“The vision of the CMPR is to become a ‘leading, internationally renowned medical products regulatory authority, driving excellence and innovation’, with the goal of gaining international recognition in the field.
“The CMPR will promote innovation, and research and development of drugs and devices by optimising medical products regulation.
“This will ensure that the public can benefit from the latest scientific research, and that patients will gain earlier access to innovative, safe and effective medical products. It also fosters growth in the local healthcare and biotechnology industries.”
The department established the Preparatory Office for CMPR in June last year. Since then, preparatory work has been focusing on driving regulatory excellence, promoting medical product innovation, and deepening national and international collaboration.
As for the implementation of “primary evaluation”, Dr Lam noted that the Government implemented the “1+” mechanism in November 2023, an important step towards the adoption of “primary evaluation”.
Under the “1+” mechanism, new drugs that are supported by local clinical data and recognised by relevant experts can be applied for registration in Hong Kong, if the applicant provides approval from the drug regulatory authority of one of the reference places, instead of two in the past.
Since its implementation, 11 new drugs have been approved for registration under this mechanism.
The initial phases of “primary evaluation” will cover applications for the registration of products containing registered chemical entities and biological entities with extended applications, such as new indications, new strengths, new posology and new dosage forms.
This will progressively establish a robust approval system, providing strong momentum for the development and market expansion of the healthcare industry in the city, the Mainland, and beyond, Dr Lam added.
Speech by SCED at US Independence Day reception (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the United States of America (US) Independence Day reception today (June 26):
Consul General May (Consul General of the US in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Gregory May), ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. I am pleased to join you all today. This is a special occasion to acknowledge the deeply rooted ties between Hong Kong and the US. In fact, this year marks the 182nd anniversary of the US’s diplomatic presence in Hong Kong. The longstanding ties that connect Hong Kong and the US, in the fields of economics, trade, culture, and many more, are very important.
In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong’s global competitiveness rises by another two places to third globally. And in the 2025 Business Sentiment Survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham), 75 per cent of respondents viewed Hong Kong as highly competitive or competitive as an international business hub. Hong Kong adds value to US enterprises and business people, their services and their future.
In the area of trade, over the past decade alone, the US has enjoyed a trade surplus of US$271.5 billion with Hong Kong, one of the highest among the US’s trading partners. Also, in 2024, the number of US regional headquarters, regional offices and local branches in Hong Kong has increased from around 1 200 to 1 390. According to AmCham, the US’s trade in goods with Hong Kong supports about 140 000 jobs in the US, covering a wide range of sectors from agriculture to fashion and manufacturing. The US enjoys significant economic benefits in Hong Kong.
The figures I just outlined speak for the fact that free trade unimpeded by protectionist measures, including the so-called reciprocal tariff, is the formula for growth and mutual benefits. As the freest economy in the world, we have all along supported and practised free trade. We strongly disapprove of the additional duty imposed by the US on products from Hong Kong, which is illogical given Hong Kong’s status as a free port. It harms the interests of both sides and is inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules. We call for the early rectification of these unfair and unjustified trade-impeding measures.
Notwithstanding the challenges brought by an uncertain global economic outlook and the impact of geopolitics, we remain firmly committed to the rules-based multilateral trading system and free trade. The continued implementation of free trade policies and zero-customs tariffs provides the much needed certainties for businesses in Hong Kong. We will continue to strengthen our international ties and open up more overseas markets.
In 2024, Invest Hong Kong assisted 539 enterprises in establishing and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing an increase of over 40 per cent as compared with the full year figure of 2023. Apart from the Mainland being the largest place of origin, the US ranked second. I would like to assure all of you that Hong Kong welcomes all sorts of overseas investments including those from the US, and we remain your trusted partner and the preferred platform for collaboration in international trade and businesses.
Ladies and gentlemen, the shared interests between Hong Kong and the US have allowed us to develop a multifaceted and longstanding relationship over the past 182 years. Though there are differences, we may set our eyes on our shared interests based on the principles of mutual respect and fairness, which are instrumental in the mutual success of Hong Kong and the US. We hope our friends in the US will share this thought and join us to navigate the Hong Kong-US relationship into a better future.
Thank you.