Hong Kong retail sales rise 8.6% in April, but ‘full recovery has yet to emerge’

Hong Kong’s retail sales rose by 8.6 per cent year on year in April, extending the upturn for a 12th consecutive month, although industry leaders warned that a broad-based recovery had yet to take hold, with gains driven by specific factors rather than a general rebound in consumer spending.

Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed retail sales reached HK$31.4 billion (US$4.3 billion) in April, compared with HK$28.9 billion a year earlier.

Retail sales for the first four months of 2026 rose by 11.3 per cent from the same period last year.

A government spokesman said growth was recorded across most major retail categories.

“Looking ahead, the retail sector should continue to benefit from ongoing economic expansion, a notable increase in inbound visitors and resilient consumption sentiment,” he said, while noting authorities would remain alert to risks stemming from evolving geopolitical tensions.

Among the stronger-performing segments, sales of motor vehicles and parts surged by 46.1 per cent, while electrical goods and other consumer durables rose by 21.9 per cent.