Hong Kong's July trade activity strengthened as demand for AI-related products supported both exports and imports, according to the Census and Statistics Department as reported by RTHK.

Total exports of goods rose 50.7% year on year to HK$672.5 billion in July, following a more than 53% rise in June. Imports climbed 41% to HK$677.4 billion.

In the January–July period, exports were up 40.9% from a year earlier, while imports advanced 40.6%. The seven-month trade deficit stood at HK$299.4 billion, equivalent to about 6.8% of Hong Kong's imports.

A government spokesman said there had been impressive growth in exports of AI-related electronic products and that robust global demand should continue to support merchandise trade. He cautioned, however, that downside risks remain from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, protectionism among advanced economies, and rapid expansion of global AI investment.