Hong Kong retail sales rise 4.5% in July

Hong Kong's retail sales climbed 4.5% in July 2026 to HK$31 billion, extending the growth streak to 15 straight months.

According to the latest figures released by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in June 2026 increased by 4.6% compared with a year earlier. For the first seven months of 2026 taken together, the value of total retail sales was provisionally estimated to have increased by 8.9% compared with the same period in 2025.

Of the total retail sales value in July 2026, online sales accounted for 9.1%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at HK$2.8 billion, increased by 9.5% compared with the same month in 2025.

Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing July 2026 with a year earlier, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 19.7%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+10.5% in value); commodities in supermarkets (+0.3%); medicines and cosmetics (+7.3%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+11.5%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+1.7%); commodities in department stores (+0.5%); and optical shops (+1.8%).

On the other hand, sales of wearing apparel fell by 1.8% in July 2026 compared with a year earlier. This was followed by sales of books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-2.8% in value); motor vehicles and parts (-18.2%); fuels (-18.0%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-0.3%); furniture and fixtures (-2.4%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (-13.7%).

Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 1.7% in the three months ending July 2026 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 0.1%.

A government spokesman said that stronger online retail sales growth suggests that consumer spending is continuing to shift toward digital channels. Looking ahead, continued economic expansion, rising household incomes, and stable labour market conditions should bolster consumer sentiment. A series of upcoming mega-events is also expected to sustain growth in visitor arrivals, providing further support to retail businesses.

"However, external headwinds are still evolving. The government will continue to monitor the relevant potential impacts on the local consumption market closely," the spokesperson added.

Hong Kong's retail sector has seen sustained growth since the middle of 2025. June 2026 continued the trend, with total retail sales value provisionally reaching HK$31.5 billion - a 4.6% increase over June 2025. Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing June 2026 with June 2025, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 20.1%. 

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