Hong Kong’s economy grew 5.2 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2026, according to advance estimates from the Census and Statistics Department. This growth, driven by stronger exports and domestic demand, marked a significant improvement from the second quarter’s 4.2 percent growth and a 1.9 percent quarter-on-quarter increase on a seasonally adjusted basis. For the first nine months of 2026, the economy experienced its fastest growth in five years, expanding by 5.1 percent. Goods exports surged by 30.4 percent in real terms, following 28.9 percent growth in the second quarter, while imports increased by 29.9 percent. Services exports also witnessed a robust increase of 4.3 percent. Investment in fixed assets grew by 7.3 percent, and private consumption expanded by 2.8 percent. Government consumption grew slightly at 1.7 percent. A government spokesman stated that the economy's strong performance was supported by accelerating exports and solid domestic consumption. The retail sector also saw a positive trend, with sales rising by 6.4 percent year on year to HK$33.4 billion in September, marking 17 consecutive months of growth. Online sales showed even stronger growth at 12 percent in September, contributing 13.1 percent to total retail sales. For the first nine months of the year, online sales increased by 21.2 percent. The spokesman attributed this growth to robust local consumption, an increase in tourist arrivals, and the early onset of Mid-Autumn festive sales. He acknowledged that upcoming mega events and festive celebrations would likely support retail growth, but also noted the need to closely monitor external challenges.