Hong Kong retail sales up 1.8% in July, sentiment steady
In volume terms, July retail sales increased 1% from a year earlier
[HONG KONG] Hong Kong’s retail sales by value rose by 1.8 per cent in July from a year earlier, the third consecutive month of gains, government data showed on Monday (Sept 1), and its government said consumer sentiment should remain steady.
Sales rose to HK$29.7 billion (S$4.88 billion), after a 0.7 per cent increase in June compared with the same month a year before.
In volume terms, July retail sales increased 1 per cent from a year earlier, compared with a 0.3 per cent fall in June.
For the first seven months of 2025, the value of total retail sales declined by 2.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, and volume fell 4.0 per cent.
A government spokesman said local consumer sentiment should hold up. “The government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events will also benefit retail businesses.”
July visitor arrivals rose to 4.39 million, up 12 per cent from the same month a year ago, data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board showed. That compared with 3.48 million in June, 4.08 million in May and 3.85 million in April.
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The number of mainland Chinese visitors stood at 3.51 million in July, up 11.8 per cent from a year ago. That compared with 2.61 million in June, 3.12 million in May and 2.81 million in April.
However, many visitors from mainland China are visiting only for a day and keeping a tight rein on overall spending. Meanwhile, many local residents were spending more across the border, taking advantage of the Hong Kong dollar’s relative strength against the Chinese yuan.
Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts rose 9.4 per cent year-on-year in July after a 6.9 per cent rise in June.
Sales of clothing, footwear and allied products increased 0.1 per cent year-on-year in July following a 4.6 per cent drop in June. REUTERS
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