Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 27) the external merchandise trade statistics for June 2026. In June 2026, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 53.4% and 45.4% respectively.

In June 2026, the value of total exports of goods increased by 53.4% over a year earlier to $641.1 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 40.8% in May 2026. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 45.4% over a year earlier to $693.0 billion in June 2026, after a year-on-year increase by 42.0% in May 2026. A visible trade deficit of $52.0 billion, equivalent to 7.5% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in June 2026.

For the first half of 2026 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 39.1% over the same period in 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 40.6%. A visible trade deficit of $294.6 billion, equivalent to 7.9% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first half of 2026.

Comparing the second quarter of 2026 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 13.8%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 9.0%.

Analysis by country/territory

Comparing June 2026 with June 2025, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 54.4%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Singapore (+83.0%), Taiwan (+79.9%), Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (+59.2%), Vietnam (+55.9%) and Thailand (+52.3%).

Apart from destinations in Asia, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations in other regions, in particular the USA (+114.3%) and Mexico (+94.2%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Korea (+176.7%), Vietnam (+106.8%), India (+95.4%), Malaysia (+62.4%) and the Mainland (+41.0%).

Comparing the first half of 2026 with the same period in 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Singapore (+90.1%), Taiwan (+68.8%), the USA (+57.8%), Thailand (+53.9%), the United Arab Emirates (+53.8%) and the Mainland (+42.4%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Korea (+117.8%), India (+104.6%), Vietnam (+91.8%), the United Kingdom (+85.0%) and the Mainland (+44.4%).

Analysis by major commodity

Comparing June 2026 with June 2025, 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 $121.8 billion or +57.2%), “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $45.9 billion or +93.2%) and “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $32.8 billion or +69.9%). 

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 $120.7 billion or +54.2%), “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $37.4 billion or +67.3%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $24.6 billion or +53.6%).

Comparing the first half of 2026 with the same period in 2025, 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 $560.9 billion or +47.7%), “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $156.7 billion or +58.2%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $122.6 billion or +33.7%).

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 $557.6 billion or +47.0%), “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $204.0 billion or +71.5%) and “non-ferrous metals” (by $93.0 billion or +197.8%).

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that merchandise exports continued to surge in June. The value of merchandise exports grew by 53.4% over a year earlier, as global demand for AI-related electronic products stayed strong. Exports to most major markets continued to increase markedly.

Looking ahead, the robust demand for AI-related electronic products globally should render continued support to Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance. Yet, the recent re-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East deserves attention. The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation for any implications on export performance.

Further information

Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for June 2026. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2023 to June 2026, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.

The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for June 2026 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 June 2026.

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 June 2026 will be released in mid-August 2026.

The June 2026 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in June 2026 and will be available in early August 2026. 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: 3863 2592).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 27) that Shek O Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, is temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance of the shark prevention net. The red flag has been hoisted at the beach. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 27) announced the results of a risk assessment study on sodium levels of bread products available in the local market. The study found that the overall average sodium content of the bread samples remained below the “high sodium” threshold. However, wide variations in sodium levels were observed among samples within the same bread type, suggesting that there is still room for the trade to reduce sodium content. 

A total of 112 non-prepackaged bread samples were collected at the retail level for the determination of sodium content. The study covered 12 varieties of bread, namely bagel, butter loaf, cheese bread, cocktail bun, croissant, French bread, “pineapple” bun, sausage bun, sesame roll/bun, sweet plain roll/bun, tuna fish bun and wheat bread with raisins. Moreover, the bread and the stuffings of sausage and tuna fish buns were separately analysed to determine the two portions’ contribution to the overall sodium content.

The findings showed that the average sodium content across all 12 types of commonly consumed bread samples was 320 milligrams/100 grams. French bread recorded the highest average sodium content at 550mg/100g, followed by cheese bread at 490mg/100g and bagels at 470mg/100g. The bread types with the lowest average sodium levels were wheat bread with raisins at 100mg/100g, and butter loaves and sweet plain rolls/buns which both averaged 130mg/100g. The study also found that the sausage and tuna fish stuffing portions accounted for an average of 55 per cent and 35 per cent of the total sodium content in their respective buns. Moreover, compared to overseas studies covering similar types of bread, the sodium levels of bagel, croissant, French bread and sweet plain roll/bun were comparable or lower.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “While the study found that the overall average sodium content of the bread samples remained below the ‘high sodium’ threshold (exceeding 600mg/100g), the sodium levels in some bread types were higher. For instance, consuming approximately one serving size of French bread (about 100g, equivalent to about one third of a long baguette of French bread) or one cheese bun could reach about one quarter of the maximum daily intake of 2000 mg recommended by the World Health Organization. The study also revealed significant variations in sodium content in the same type of bread produced by different suppliers, indicating that there is substantial room for the trade to reduce sodium through recipe reformulation.”

In light of the study findings, the CFS suggests the food trade consider reducing the sodium content of bread by modifying the preparation methods, ingredient(s) and formulations. The trade could also provide more bread products with lower sodium content for consumers to choose from, consider offering bread in smaller portion sizes, and establish a company database to record the sodium content of their bread products for monitoring. The CFS is also implementing a salt reduction scheme in bread by working with the industry to offer white bread and wholemeal bread with reduced sodium content via recipe reformulation. As for consumers, they should maintain a balanced and varied diet, avoiding excessive consumption of high-sodium bread to prevent excessive intake of sodium. When purchasing prepackaged bread, consumers should refer to the nutrition labels and select products with lower sodium levels and also pay attention to the levels of other nutrients (such as sugar and fat). 

​Details and results of the study are available on the CFS website at www.cfs.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Major Sports Events Committee today announced it has awarded “M” Mark status to two prestigious football exhibition matches scheduled for August 1 and 5 as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026: Manchester City vs FC Internazionale Milano (Inter); and Chelsea FC vs Juventus.

Manchester City and Inter will compete for the Asahi Super Dry Trophy, while Chelsea and Juventus will go head to head for the Herbalgy Trophy.

“These two spectacular football showdowns will not only bring thrilling, world-class viewing experiences to local fans and visitors, but also fully demonstrate Hong Kong’s unique charm as an international capital for sports events,” said Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded the No. 8 Southwest Gale or Storm Signal to the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 12.40pm today as Tropical Cyclone Noul moved away from the city.

The No. 8 signal had been in force since 7.10am.

The Hospital Authority said a total of 21 people, including nine men and 12 women, sought medical treatment at public hospitals for typhoon-related injuries.

The Government received 331 reports of fallen trees during the storm, with 88 reports made to the 1823 Call Centre and 243 to the Fire Services Department. The Drainage Services Department also received eight reports of flooding.

Additionally, the Home Affairs Department opened 29 temporary shelters across the city, providing refuge to 246 people.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Several years ago, Mr Lai suffered a mini-stroke that turned his daily life into a constant battle against physical discomfort. The transient ischemic attack left him with impaired mobility.

Severe neck and shoulder pain, combined with hand numbness, quickly consumed his evenings. What began as a recovery process soon evolved into a cycle of sleeplessness.

The relentless discomfort eventually prompted him to seek help at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong.

“Previously, I could not sleep because of the pain. It was unbearable. I do not even know how to describe it,” Mr Lai, now 67, recalled. “Painkillers did not help at all.”

”After receiving a series of treatments here, that is no longer the case. Now, only my fingers are less flexible, and I still find it difficult to raise my hand.”

His experience highlights a key milestone for local healthcare as the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong prepares to launch its first batch of comprehensive treatment services by combining practitioner-led Chinese medicine with modern Western medical support.

Integrated care

Mr Lai’s recovery plan pairs traditional therapies – such as herbal fumigation to enhance the effects of acupuncture, cupping and tui-na – with modern physiotherapy.

Operating under a Chinese medicine-led model supported by Western medicine, the hospital relies on physiotherapists and nursing teams to actively track patient progress to make timely adjustments to treatment plans.

Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong Deputy Hospital Chief Executive (Chinese Medicine) Cheung Chun-hoi said Mr Lai initially suffered from impaired hand mobility and an unsteady gait.

Following targeted treatments using acupuncture, tui-na and herbal fumigation, his condition noticeably improved, he noted.

“He can walk more stably and for longer, and do some exercise. We are now focusing on improving his hand function,” Mr Cheung noted.

“His shoulder pain has been treated and he can move around already.”

Specialised programmes

To meet growing local demand, the hospital will provide its first batch of comprehensive treatment services to patients under its Special Disease Programmes on July 27.

The first phase will prioritise post-stroke care and lower back pain management.

Mr Cheung explained that these Chinese medicine practitioner-led programmes deliver multidisciplinary treatment.

“We perform a lot of Chinese medicine treatments that can be different from outside clinics or outside society, including acupuncture, fumigation treatment, moxibustion and tui-na,” he said.

Moxibustion is a therapy that involves burning dried herbs on or near specific acupuncture points to promote blood circulation and stimulate the flow of energy to relieve pain.

Under this care continuity framework, Chinese medicine practitioners conduct joint consultations with Western physicians, while dedicated nurse case managers co-ordinate cross-disciplinary follow-ups for each patient.

The hospital said that it will launch about 12 of its 23 targeted specific disease programmes within the first year.

Future expansion

Meanwhile, 24-hour inpatient services are scheduled to roll out in phases starting in December.

Mr Cheung noted that some cases may eventually extend from outpatient and day-patient services to 24-hour inpatient care in the future.

To support the expansion, the hospital is actively building its workforce, drawing about 1,500 job seekers at a two-day job fair in early May.

Mr Cheung added that partnerships with some Mainland Chinese medicine hospitals will allow renowned practitioners and masters to conduct short-term and long-term teaching and training in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that public acceptance of the new policy of allowing dogs into food premises has steadily grown, with overall operations remaining smooth and stable two weeks after its July 9 launch.

The number of participating eateries has risen from 940 at the start of implementation to over 970 at present. The first phase of the measure sets a quota of 1,000 food premises, with a waiting list mechanism established for unsuccessful applicants according to their ballot order.

If an approved food premises withdraws, its quota is swiftly reallocated to the next applicant in line.

The Government added that the turnover of permitted food premises reflects normal market adjustments and continuous refinement. The policy aims to provide flexibility for food businesses while offering diverse choices to the public based on different preferences and needs.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region