Hong Kong Retail Sales Soar for 11th Consecutive Month, Fueled by Local Demand and Tourism Surge

In March, Hong Kong’s retail sector saw a 12.8% increase in sales compared to the same month in the previous year. This marks the 11th consecutive month of growth, according to recent government data. Sales touched HK$33.9 billion (US$4.33 billion), demonstrating a healthy economy. In February, the year-on-year rise was recorded at 19.3%.

Key Growth Areas

Motor vehicle sales exhibited notable progress, with a surge in purchases just before the first registration tax concessions for electric private cars expired at the end of March.

When it comes to sales volume, a 9.8% increase was observed in March compared to the same period last year. This is slightly less than February’s 17.5% rise.

For the initial quarter of 2026, the total value of retail sales rose by 12.1% year-on-year, while the volume of retail sales witnessed a 9.8% increase.

A government representative attributed the positive trajectory of retail sales to the recovery of local demand, steady growth in tourist arrivals, and a favourable macro-financial environment.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board reported a 14% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals in March, reaching 4.35 million. Chinese mainland visitors, who account for a significant portion of these arrivals, increased by 15.9% year-on-year to 3.19 million.

Sector-Specific Performance

Specific sectors such as jewellery, watches, clocks, and valuable gifts experienced a robust growth of 27.2% year-on-year in March, following a 24.2% rise in February.

The motor vehicles and parts sector saw an impressive 80.8% year-on-year jump in March, substantial growth from the 37.3% rise seen in February.

Meanwhile, the clothing, footwear, and related products sector saw a modest increase of 5.9% year-on-year in March, a decrease from the 14.1% rise recorded in February.