01.09.202509:34:56UTC+00Hong Kong Retail Sales Rise for Second Time This Year

In July 2025, Hong Kong experienced a 1% year-on-year increase in retail sales, recovering from June's 0.3% decline. This growth was primarily attributed to a surge in sales of jewellery, watches, clocks, and valuable gifts, which rose by 7.5%, up from 3.8% in June. Sales of other consumer goods also improved, showing a 6.4% increase compared to 3.1% previously. Clothing, footwear, and related products also displayed a notable recovery, with sales rising by 2.4% following a -1.3% drop. However, some sectors offset these gains, as sales of food, alcoholic drinks, and tobacco continued to decline with a decrease of 4.3%, exacerbating the previous 3.0% fall. Consumer durable goods saw a reduction of 9.7%, worsening from June's 9.2% drop, and fuels also experienced a substantial decline of 8.9%, following a 6.4% decrease. Meanwhile, department store sales growth softened, recording a 3.5% rise compared to 6.8% in June. On a month-to-month basis, retail trade reduced by 0.9% in July, continuing the downward trend after a 4.5% decrease in the preceding month.