HONG KONG, Feb 3 (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s retail sales by value rose 6.6% in December from a year earlier, the eighth month of gains, as the region’s economic recovery continued solidly during the period, government data showed on Tuesday.
Sales increased to HK$35 billion ($4.48 billion). In November, retail sales rose 6.5% year-on-year.
In volume terms, December retail sales increased 5.1% from a year earlier, compared with a 4.4% rise in November.
For 2025, the value of total retail sales increased 1% from a year earlier, while the volume remained at a similar level as compared with 2024.
“Looking ahead, improving local consumption sentiment underpinned by robust economic growth momentum, together with continued vibrant growth in inbound visitors, will continue to be favourable to retail businesses,” a government spokesperson said.
Visitor arrivals in December surged to 4.65 million, up 9.2% from a year earlier, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board data.
Mainland Chinese visitors accounted for 3.35 million of these arrivals, a 8.2% increase year-on-year.
Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts jumped 14.3% year-on-year in December after a 3.6% rise in November.
Sales of clothing, footwear and allied products fell 10.3% year-on-year in December following a 2% rise in November.
($1 = 7.8128 Hong Kong dollars)
(Reporting by Hong Kong newsroom; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Sonia Cheema)
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