The interim estimate of the total sales value of the Hong Kong retail industry in March was HK$339 billion, an increase of 12.8% year-on-year.

On May 6th, the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong government announced that the provisional estimate of the total value of retail sales in March 2026 was HK$339 billion, representing a 12.8% increase compared to the same month in 2025. The revised estimate for the total value of retail sales in January and February 2026 increased by 11.8% compared to the same period in 2025. When compared to the same period in 2025, the provisional estimate for the total value of retail sales in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 12.1%. In March 2026, online sales accounted for 9.7% of the total value of retail sales, with a provisional estimate of HK$33 billion, a 35.1% increase compared to March 2025. The revised estimate for the total value of online sales in January and February 2026 increased by 27.5% compared to the same period in 2025. When compared to the same period in 2025, the provisional estimate for online sales in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 30.1%. After adjusting for price changes, the provisional estimate for the total quantity of retail sales in March 2026 increased by 9.8% compared to March 2025. The revised estimate for the total quantity of retail sales in January and February 2026 increased by 9.8% compared to the same period in 2025. When compared to the same period in 2025, the provisional estimate for the total quantity of retail sales in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 9.8%. Analyzing the provisional estimate of sales value by main categories of retailers from highest to lowest, in March 2026 compared to March 2025, the value of sales of unclassified consumer items increased by 18.1%. This was followed by jewelry, watches, and luxury gifts (up 27.2%); supermarket goods (up 0.6%); electrical appliances and other durable goods (up 30.1%); drugs and cosmetics (up 3.1%); clothing (up 8.3%); food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco (up 1.0%); department store goods (up 1.3%); automobiles and auto parts (up 80.8%); books, stationery and gifts (up 3.0%); furniture and fixtures (up 0.6%); and eyewear stores (up 7.4%). On the other hand, in March 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, the value of fuel sales decreased by 14.2%. This was followed by Chinese medicine (down 5.4%); and shoes, related products, and other clothing accessories (down 10.2%). Comparing the first quarter of 2026 to the fourth quarter of 2025, the provisional estimate of the total value of retail sales, seasonally adjusted, increased by 7.8%, while the provisional estimate of the total quantity of retail sales, seasonally adjusted, increased by 5.4%. A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government stated that retail sales continued to strengthen in March. The total value of retail sales increased by 12.8% year-on-year, with most categories of retailers experiencing growth. Among the categories, sales of automobiles were especially strong, attributed to a surge in orders before the deadline for the first registration tax reduction for electric private cars at the end of March. Looking ahead, with the recovery of local demand in Hong Kong, continued growth in tourism, and favorable macroeconomic conditions, the short-term outlook for retail sales is generally positive.