Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

July Retail Sales Up 1.8%, Visitor Arrivals Surge 12%

9/2/2025

33 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In July 2025, Hong Kong's retail sales increased by 1.8% year-on-year, reaching HK$29.7 billion ($3.8 billion).
Visitor arrivals rose by 12% to 4.39 million, with mainland Chinese tourists increasing by 11.8% to 3.51 million.
However, retail sales for the first seven months of 2025 declined by 2.6% in value and 4% in volume compared to 2024.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, Hong Kong's protests against a controversial extradition bill led to a 1.2% decline in retail sales, highlighting the region's economic vulnerability. With 55 million visitors in 2018, tourism was crucial for Hong Kong's economy. By July 2025, a resurgence in visitor arrivals and retail sales indicated recovery, contingent on stabilizing political conditions and consumer confidence.

1 of 2

Story summary

In July 2025, Hong Kong's retail sales increased by 1.8% year-on-year, reaching HK$29.7 billion ($3.8 billion).
Visitor arrivals rose by 12% to 4.39 million, with mainland Chinese tourists increasing by 11.8% to 3.51 million.
However, retail sales for the first seven months of 2025 declined by 2.6% in value and 4% in volume compared to 2024.

1 / 2