Hong Kong retail sales rise 4.5% in July, marking 15th straight month of growth

Hong Kong’s retail sector recorded growth for a 15th consecutive month in July, with the government reporting a 4.5 per cent increase year on year, although the pace of expansion slowed amid adverse weather and continued outbound travel by residents.

Retail sales value for the month reached HK$31 billion (US$4 billion), while sales in the first seven months of the year grew by 8.9 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, according to provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Monday.

A government spokesman said retail sales growth momentum remained resilient in July, with growth broadly steady from the previous month.

“Looking ahead, continued economic expansion, rising household incomes, and stable labour market conditions should bolster consumer sentiment,” he said.

“A series of upcoming mega-events is also expected to sustain growth in visitor arrivals, providing further support to retail businesses.”

Sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts recorded the strongest increase in July, rising by 19.7 per cent year on year, followed by electrical goods and other consumer durables at 11.5 per cent. Other consumer goods not elsewhere classified also grew 10.5 per cent.

Motor vehicles and parts recorded the steepest decline, falling by 18.2 per cent, closely followed by fuels at 18 per cent, while sales of Chinese drugs and herbs dropped by 13.7 per cent.