Hong Kong’s retail sales rose 5.5 per cent year on year in January, with authorities crediting inbound tourism for supporting the sector.
Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Wednesday showed sales reached HK$37.3 billion (US$4.77 billion) in January, marking the ninth straight month of growth since May 2025, after 14 consecutive months of decline.
The increase ended a four-month streak of growth above 6 per cent, but the government cautioned that the slower pace was partly due to the Chinese New Year holiday – traditionally a peak sales season – falling in February compared with January last year.
A government spokesman said the retail sector’s recovery remained solid despite last January’s high base from an early Chinese New Year.
He added that total retail sales rose significantly in January compared with the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
“Looking ahead, robust economic growth and sustained visitor arrivals will continue to support local consumption and benefit retailers,” he said.
