The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has upwardly revised its 2026 export forecast to year-on-year growth of above 20%, citing a stronger-than-expected performance since the start of the year and sustained momentum in global demand for technology products. The revised outlook, announced on June 29, 2026, reflects the impact of an AI-driven electronics boom that has significantly boosted Hong Kong's re-export trade, particularly to the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN production bases and major developed markets.
The HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2026, also released today, shows improvement in both key indicators: the Current Performance Index (51.0) and the Expectation Index (52.4). Both indicators rebounding above the 50 threshold reflects improved exporter sentiment stemming from evolving US trade policies and ongoing geopolitical developments.
In the first five months of 2026, Hong Kong's exports recorded a robust 36.2% year-on-year increase, underpinned by strong demand for electronics amid an accelerating global AI cycle. Electronics remained the key growth driver, accounting for more than 70% of Hong Kong's total exports, with semiconductors and intermediate items putting in a particularly strong performance. The proliferation of AI applications, including generative AI and enterprise digitalisation, has triggered a new wave of demand for high-performance chips, information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, and related components.
HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang commented: "The recent upturn has been supported by resilient regional trade amid the AI-driven technology cycle, which has been maintained despite lingering uncertainties in the Middle East. Overall, the outlook for many of Hong Kong's major markets has improved, with the Chinese Mainland and ASEAN remaining the most promising." Sentiment towards the US market has also strengthened following the Xi-Trump meeting in mid-May and recent trade policy developments.
However, a notable portion of the recent growth has been price-driven due to tight supply conditions in the semiconductor sector, leading to significant increases in component prices, particularly for memory chips and advanced processors. HKTDC Deputy Director of Research Wing Chu noted: "The export value of key electronic components has risen faster than order volumes, with price increases amplifying overall growth. However, as production capacity expands and supply constraints gradually ease, semiconductor prices are expected to moderate. This may lead to some softening in export value growth over the longer-term, even as underlying demand for AI-enabled devices and infrastructure remains resilient."
Hong Kong is continuing to play a critical role as a regional trading hub, facilitating the flow of electronic parts and semi-manufactured goods across Asian supply chains and into global markets. This intermediary role has been a key factor in the city's strong export performance and is expected to remain a key source of resilience even as component prices normalise over the medium term.
In addition to technology factors, steady overseas demand for consumer products has provided further support, reflecting the resilience of global consumption in recent months. Looking ahead, several uncertainties could continue to weigh on trade performance, including geopolitical tensions, volatility in global energy prices, and policy uncertainties and rising protectionism, including evolving US trade measures and shifts among major trading partners.
For more details, the full reports are available at the HKTDC Research website: 2026 Mid-Year Export Review and Outlook and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index 2Q26.
