Hong Kong raises 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.8pct

HONG KONG: Hong Kong has raised its 2026 real GDP growth forecast to 4.8 per cent, up from a previous range of 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent, supported by the upbeat economic performance in the first three quarters and the expected growth momentum in the last quarter.

For the first three quarters combined, the real GDP expanded 5.1 per cent from a year ago, marking the fastest pace in five years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Friday.

Underpinned by faster growth in external trade and solid domestic demand, Hong Kong's real GDP growth accelerated to 5.2 per cent year on year in the third quarter, official data showed.

During the July-September period, Hong Kong's exports of goods surged 30.3 per cent year on year in real terms, while exports of services expanded 4.3 per cent.

The Hong Kong economy is poised for a strong full-year performance, an HKSAR government official said, highlighting exports of services and domestic demand as growth drivers.