Month: April 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (April 23) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in April, covering 25 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central and Western	Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui	7.7%	1.0
Eastern	Chai Wan	8.1%	1.0
	Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho	10.7%	1.5
Wan Chai	Happy Valley and Tai Hang	1.8%	1.0
Islands	Tung Chung	2.0%	1.0
Kowloon City	Ho Man Tin	3.6%	1.0
	Kowloon Tong	8.5%	1.4
Sham Shui Po	Cheung Sha Wan	7.5%	1.3
	Lai Chi Kok	7.0%	1.0
	Sham Shui Po and Shek Kip Mei	4.9%	1.0
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei	4.8%	1.0
North	Fanling North	0.0%	N/A
Sai Kung	Tseung Kwan O East	7.3%	1.0
	Tseung Kwan O North	11.4%	1.6
	Tseung Kwan O West	3.6%	1.0
Tai Po	Tai Po West	1.8%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Sheung Kwai Chung	3.7%	1.0
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun South	14.5%	1.0
Yuen Long	Yuen Long Town	3.4%	1.5

 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Central and Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	3.5%	1.0
Southern	Pok Fu Lam	4.3%	1.0
Wong Tai Sin	Wong Tai Sin West	2.8%	1.0
Sai Kung	Sai Kung Town	16.8%	1.4
Kwai Tsing	Lai King	6.6%	1.0
Yuen Long	Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan	3.2%	1.3

Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 19 survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for the First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes of Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District, Tseung Kwan O North in Sai Kung District, and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, as well as the Area Gravidtrap Index of Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District.

For Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District, Tseung Kwan O North and Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District, and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and private housing estates; the gravidtrap data for Tseung Kwan O North showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools, and public and private housing estates; the gravidtrap data for Sai Kung Town showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, sports grounds, schools, and public and private housing estates; and the gravidtrap data for Tuen Mun South showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks and public housing estates. The FEHD and the relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April 2026, covering 33 survey areas. Among these 33 survey areas, three recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. March 2026), representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Twenty-five other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. The latest First Phase Gravidtrap Index recorded in Sheung Shui reached 21.3 per cent, corresponding to Level 3 alert level. Indexes in other survey areas are also expected to rise. The FEHD has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions. Members of the public should also step up mosquito prevention efforts and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in advance, thereby reducing the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and DF. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA), the HKFA will present three editions of the programme series ”Close Encounters with Master Filmmakers: Movie Talks” in 2026. The first edition will feature a selection by director Peter Chan, winner of the Hong Kong Film Awards, the Golden Horse Awards and the Golden Rooster Awards, which includes four iconic films directed by him and two Hollywood classics that profoundly influenced his career, to be screened at the Cinema of the HKFA on May 23 and 24. Chan will also attend the pre- or post-screening talks with film critic Thomas Shin to share with audiences his cinematic world spanning different cultures and generations.
 
     Chan entered the film industry in the 1980s. In 1991, his debut directorial work, “Alan & Eric: Between Hello and Goodbye” (1991), won actor Eric Tsang the Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards. This firmly established Chan as a prominent director. During the 1990s, Chan co-founded United Filmmakers Organization Ltd, which produced a series of urban comedies, including ”Comrades, Almost a Love Story” (1996), which was directed by him and swept nine accolades at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In addition to directing for Hollywood, he also collaborated with other Asian directors on various high-quality productions. Since 2005, he has expanded into the Chinese Mainland film market and successfully combined commercial appeal with artistic vision in many of his works. Chan’s works are rooted in artistic sensibilities, while maintaining a unique Hong Kong perspective and embodying a blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
 
     The selected films are matched into three pairs of screenings. The first pair includes two timeless cinematic romances. In “Comrades, Almost a Love Story”, Leon Lai and Maggie Cheung play the roles of two new immigrants in Hong Kong, where their lives become intertwined. After drifting apart in their different pursuits, they unexpectedly reunite in another country, while the news of the passing of singer Teresa Teng away from home echoes in the air. Michael Curtiz’s “Casablanca” (1942) follows the protagonist, played by Humphrey Bogart, who is nonchalant about the ongoing war until he is reunited with his former lover, played by Ingrid Bergman. With the rekindled old feelings and resurfaced past, the two have to choose between their undying love and the noble and higher ideals.
 
     The second pair of film is “American Dreams in China” (2013), directed by Chan, and “Tom, Dick & Hairy” (1993), directed by Chan and Lee Chi-ngai. The former follows three college friends, played by Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao and Tong Dawei, in their venture into business together and the yearning, frustration, insecurity and pride in their pursuit of success in the world. Starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tony Leung Ka-fai and Lawrence Cheng, the latter is a playful urban romantic comedy about three bachelors struggling with love and marriage.
 
     The third pair of films is set against the background of war. In Chan’s “The Warlords” (2007), Jet Li, Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro star as three blood brothers who face life and death together on the battlefield. However, their loyalty and promises are ultimately sacrificed to political intrigue and self-interest, culminating in a heart-wrenching tragic fratricide. Directed by Lewis Milestone, “All Quiet on the Western Front” (1930) (2K Digital Restored Version) is an adaptation of the eponymous classic German novel. The film follows young Paul, who is full of dreams and ideals about joining the military and eventually meets his own tragic end on the battlefield after witnessing his peers, superiors and friends fall one after another amid the brutality of war.
 
     Tickets priced at $60 will be available from tomorrow (April 24) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. There is a 20 per cent discount for each purchase of two or more regular-priced tickets for different screenings in the same designated pair.
 
     In addition, a free screening of “Perhaps Love” (2005), directed by Chan, will also be held at the Cinema of the HKFA on June 19. The film tells of the complicated affairs between two film stars, played by Zhou Xun and Takeshi Kaneshiro, and a film director, played by Jacky Cheung, in front of and behind the camera during a film production.
 
     Admission by ticket is required for the free screening. Starting from April 24, ticket holders of any two screenings of the programme can collect a ticket for the free screening by presenting the purchased tickets at the box office of the HKFA on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Limited walk-in seats will also be available on the day of the free screening. Members of the public are welcome to queue up at the G/F lobby of the HKFA 45 minutes before the screening begins. Each person can register for one ticket while stocks last.
 
     The screening times of the films are as follows:
 

The First Pair
May 23 (Saturday)	11am	“Comrades, Almost a Love Story”
May 23 (Saturday)	2.30pm	“Casablanca”
The Second Pair
May 23 (Saturday)	6.30pm	“American Dreams in China”
May 24 (Sunday)	11am	“Tom, Dick & Hairy”
The Third Pair
May 24 (Sunday)	2.30pm	“The Warlords”
May 24 (Sunday)	7pm	“All Quiet on the Western Front”
Free Screening
June 19 (Friday)	2pm	“Perhaps Love”

     For programme details, please visit the HKFA website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/peter-ho-sun-chan/pe-event-2026-peter-ho-sun-chan.html or call 2739 2139.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in March showed a rise of 325 cases, representing an increase of 0.2 per cent compared with that of February, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (April 23).
      
     The total CSSA caseload at the end of March stood at 194 549 (see attached table), with a total of 256 221 recipients.
      
     Analysed by case nature, permanent disability cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.3 per cent to 16 272 cases. 
      
     Low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.6 per cent to 1 271 cases. Unemployment cases increased by 0.5 per cent to 15 240 cases. Both old age cases and ill-health cases increased by 0.2 per cent to 111 678 cases and 28 234 cases respectively. Single parent cases increased by 0.1 per cent to 17 913 cases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 10-year RMB institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 10GB3505001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 23).
 
A total of RMB1.5 billion 10-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB10.235 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 6.82. The average price accepted is 103.24, implying an annualised yield of 1.908 per cent.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date	:	April 23, 2026
Issue Number	:	10GB3505001 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	85024 (HKGB2.29 3505-R)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	April 27, 2026
Tenor	:	10 years
Maturity Date	:	May 15, 2035
Coupon Rate	:	2.29 per cent
Amount Applied	:	RMB10.235 billion
Amount Allotted	:	RMB1.5 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	6.82
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	103.24 (1.908 per cent(Note) )
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	103.23 (1.909 per cent(Note) )
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 40 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	102.67 (1.977 per cent(Note) )

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.899 per cent, 1.900 per cent and 1.967 per cent respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 3-year RMB institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 05GB2912002) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 23).

A total of RMB1.0 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB11.374 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 11.37. The average price accepted is 102.85, implying an annualised yield of 1.563 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results

Tender results of 3-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:

Tender Date	:	April 23, 2026
Issue Number	:	05GB2912002 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	84596 (HKGB2.37 2912-R)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	April 27, 2026
Tenor	:	3 years
Maturity Date	:	December 10, 2029
Coupon Rate	:	2.37%
Amount Applied	:	RMB11.374 billion
Amount Allotted	:	RMB1.0 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	11.37
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	102.85 (1.563% (Note))
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	102.77 (1.586% (Note))
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 100%
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	102.54 (1.651% (Note))

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.557 per cent, 1.580 per cent and 1.644 per cent respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Asia Food Licence Engineering Company Limited and its responsible officer, a manager, were prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violating the requirements under the Employment Ordinance (EO). The company and its responsible officer pleaded guilty at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (April 23) and were fined a total sum of $95,000. The company and its responsible officer were also ordered to pay the employees concerned an outstanding sum of about $159,000.
 
The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay five employees’ wages within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and termination of the employment contract, totalling about $157,000. The company also failed to pay the awarded sum of about $159,000 in total to the five employees within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT). The responsible officer concerned was prosecuted and convicted for his consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.
 
“The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO, as well as the sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board,” a spokesman for the LD said.
 
“The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees’ statutory rights,” the spokesman added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (April 23) that the short-term tenancy of the Central Harbourfront Event Space (Event Space), covering an area of about 3.7 hectares, has been awarded to Central Grand Limited (CGL), a joint-venture company formed by Henderson Land Development Company Limited and YW Company Limited, for a fixed term of five years commencing on July 1. CGL shall manage and maintain the Event Space for the hosting of events pursuant to the strengthened terms and requirements on venue management.
 
A two-envelope approach was adopted in the tender exercise, with the technical proposal weighted at 70 per cent and the price proposal at 30 per cent. A total of six tenders were received. Upon assessment of the tenders on the proposed large-scale signature events, the number of days for commercial events and the number of free public events, as well as their commitments on various parameters including the arrangement on opening up the Event Space for free public enjoyment on days when no events are held, the tender is awarded to CGL which achieved the highest combined score for its technical and price components. During the tenancy term, the successful tenderer will pay the Government a monthly rental of $1,518,000 in accordance with its tender proposal.

After evaluating the six tenders, the Government considered that large-scale signature commercial events featured in the successful tenderer’s proposal would best utilise the harbourfront resources and the site space, with a strong appeal to the public and visitors, and would also help promote a mega-event economy and enhance the vibrancy of the harbourfront. CGL’s proposal also outlines practical implementation plans, such as offering flexible package options during large-scale signature events as proposed in the tender proposal, which provide promotional information and discounts of other tourist attractions and gourmet hotspots in Hong Kong, with the aim of enhancing the overall appeal of the Event Space and extending visitors’ stays in Hong Kong.
 
As regards space sharing, CGL will not only open up the Event Space to the public for free on days when no events are held in accordance with the tender conditions, but will also provide free facilities such as jogging trails or leisure facilities. In addition, even with ongoing commercial events or rehearsals, if more than one-third of the site area has no events taking place, CGL will implement flexible venue layouts and adaptive boundary arrangements to open up the non-event area for public use. Such flexible arrangements will enhance pedestrian accessibility and visual permeability of the harbourfront.
 
CGL is required to implement events and manage the venue in accordance with the undertakings in the technical proposal.  A clause will be added in the new tenancy to the effect that if the actual number of event days held at the Event Space as rented out each year falls short of the commitment, the tenant is required to pay a compensation amount to the Government (equivalent to 10 per cent of the monthly rent of the Event Space for each day of shortfall). The arrangement aims to ensure the tenant would fully utilise the Event Space, and deliver on its commitments as stated in the tender proposal.
 
The Central Harbourfront Event Space is a significant landmark at Victoria Harbour and has hosted a multitude of large-scale outdoor events and performances over the years, gaining widespread popularity. The DEVB has refined the tenancy terms to encourage the successful tenderer to bring in a rich diversity of events and enable the public to better enjoy the unique appeal of the Central Harbourfront. Relevant terms include:
 
(1) While a two-envelope approach was adopted in this tender exercise, the weighting given to the technical proposal was increased from 40 per cent in the previous exercise to 70 per cent. The assessment of the technical proposals considered not only the diversity of events and their ability to enhance the vibrancy of the harbourfront, but also their appeal to visitors, so as to provide ongoing support for the mega-event economy;

(2) The fixed term of the new tenancy is extended from three years to five years, with a view to incentivising the successful tenderer to make long-term investments and planning as well as to deliver events with due emphasis on both quality and quantity;

(3) The successful tenderer is required to provide, within one year from the commencement of the new tenancy and on a regular basis, food and beverage facilities with a floor area of not less than 100 square metres in the northern part of the Event Space adjacent to the promenade area. Apart from synergising with the events to be held at the Event Space, the facilities would also provide service to harbourfront visitors outside the period of any particular events; and

(4) The requirement will continue for the tenant to run events for the public for at least about 30 per cent of days in its annual schedule. In addition, to avoid under-utilisation of the Event Space when no events or events relatively small in scale are taking place, if no less than about one-third of the Event Space remains unused for events or is left unrented for a period of three consecutive days or longer, the tenant is required to open that portion of the Event Space for public enjoyment and leisure activities free of charge.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 23) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for March 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in March 2026 over the same month a year earlier, larger than the average rate of increase in January and February 2026 (1.5%). Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in March 2026 was 1.6%, also larger than the average rate of increase in January and February 2026 (1.3%). The comparison to the average rate of increase in January and February is to neutralise the effect caused by the different timing of the Chinese New Year between two years, which occurred in February this year but in January last year.

Comparing March 2026 with February 2026, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2026 was 1.7%, the same as that in February 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI in March 2026 was 1.6%, also the same as that in February 2026.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending March 2026 was 0.2%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending February 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were both 0.1%.

Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively in March 2026, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.4% across all sub-indices in January and February 2026, and 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.9% respectively in February 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.7% respectively in March 2026, as compared to the average rates of increase of 1.1%, 1.3% and 1.4% respectively in January and February 2026, and 1.3%, 1.6% and 1.8% respectively in February 2026.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending March 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2026 were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.2% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were all 0.1%, and the corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending February 2026 were 0.0%, 0.1% and 0.2% respectively.

Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in March 2026 for miscellaneous services (4.6%), transport (3.9%), electricity, gas and water (3.9%), miscellaneous goods (2.8%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.1%), basic food (1.2%), housing (1.0%), and meals out and takeaway food (0.8%).

On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in March 2026 for durable goods (-2.2%), and clothing and footwear (-0.7%).

In the first quarter of 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.5%, 1.6% and 1.6% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.5% respectively.

For the 12 months ending March 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.4% over the same period a year earlier.  The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.7%, 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that consumer price inflation accelerated somewhat but stayed moderate in March. The underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over a year earlier, up from 1.3% in January and February combined. The acceleration mainly reflected the faster increases in prices of fuel-related components in the month, amid the upsurge in international oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, price pressures on other components were largely contained.

Looking ahead, elevated international oil prices will likely continue to feed through to the relevant components in consumer prices gradually in the near term, with the final impacts hinging on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Yet, as price pressures from other sources generally stay contained, this should help rein in the potential upward pressure on overall inflation. The Government has introduced short-term targeted measures to address the recent increase in fuel prices, and will continue to monitor the development closely.

Further information

The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for March 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.

More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).

For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for January – March 2026) released today (April 23) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.8% in December 2025 – February 2026 to 3.7% in January – March 2026. The underemployment rate also decreased from 1.7% in December 2025 – February 2026 to 1.6% in January – March 2026.
 
Comparing January – March 2026 with December 2025 – February 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied, with a more notable decrease observed in the accommodation services sector. As to the underemployment rate, a decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector.

Total employment decreased by around 7 300 from 3 663 000 in December 2025 – February 2026 to 3 655 700 in January – March 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 300 from 3 797 700 to 3 792 400.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 900 from 134 700 in December 2025 – February 2026 to 136 600 in January – March 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 3 300 from 63 400 to 60 100.

Commentary

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down further by 0.1 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 3.7% in January – March 2026. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate also edged down by 0.1 percentage point to 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly.”

Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labour market. The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments in geopolitical tensions and assess the potential implications for the labour market.”

Further information

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).

The survey for January – March 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 66 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of January to March 2026.

Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.

Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter October – December 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter January – March 2026 will be available by end May 2026. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).

For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Kai Tak yesterday afternoon (April 22), in which a male worker was pressed by a precast concrete block that suddenly toppled while he was assisting a fork-lift truck in handling the block. He was certified dead later in the hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the operation of fork-lift trucks and transportation of the relevant blocks at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”

The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”
      
To prevent workers at work from being pressed by toppled objects, the LD reminds employers to ensure the objects are supported, stored and stacked in a safe and secure manner, and to select suitable mechanical aids and methods to prevent the objects from toppling. 

The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

In regard to yesterday’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and properly use personal protective equipment provided to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.