Hong Kong’s top trading partners and exports: Opportunities for HK businesses

If you’re aiming to capture a larger slice of the global market, there has never been a more promising time to scale your international footprint.

According to the HKTDC, Hong Kong’s economy expanded by a robust 3.8% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, a growth spike fueled by strong performance in the external sector and improved domestic demand¹. This upward momentum is reflected in the trade of commodities, such as electronics, precious jewelry, and food products, to key markets, including Mainland China, the United States, and Taiwan¹.

These flourishing trends present a golden opportunity for you to tap into a world of new customers and diversified revenue streams. In this guide, we’ll outline the main Hong Kong trading partners and the high-growth sector opportunities you should prioritize as you plan your global expansion.

1. Mainland China

Hong Kong operates as a special administrative region (SAR) in the Republic of China with its own government and economic policies. In 2003, Mainland China and Hong Kong signed the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), allowing both parties to trade goods with zero tariff benefits as long as they meet the CEPA rules of origin. 

CEPA has helped countless Hong Kong exporters ship to China with ease. In 2024, total trade with Mainland China amounted to HK$4,826,321 million, taking up 51% of Hong Kong’s trade that year². Major exports included electronics, machinery, and precious stones³.

2. Taiwan

Taiwan is Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner. According to the Trade and Industry Department (TID) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the region recorded HK$697,387 million worth of trade with Taiwan in 2024, amounting to 7.4% of the market’s total trade².

According to TID, major export products include jewelry, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares, and other articles of precious or semi-precious materials⁴.

3. United States of America (USA)

Hong Kong acts as a port for trade between the US and Mainland China. In 2024, an estimated US$19.3 billion worth of exports from China to the US and US$13.4 billion worth of imports from the US to China were routed through Hong Kong, according to the TID^5.

4. Singapore

Bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Singapore have advanced since they were established in the 1900s. Several agreements and regulations have been established to improve trade, alleviate barriers at customs offices, and simplify shipping procedures. In 2019, Singapore formalized trade relations with Hong Kong by signing the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA).

Singapore is one of Hong Kong’s major trading partners, with 2024 data by TID recording HK$2,522 million worth of exports to Singapore and HK$389,673 million of imports from Singapore². Electrical equipment and machinery are among the top exports.

5. Korea

Korea is Hong Kong’s 5th largest trading partner, with exports to Korea totaling HK$951 million in 2024². Additionally, the largest trading bloc in place – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – facilitates bilateral trade between the two countries. 

Top exports include metalliferous ores and metal scrap, jewelry, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares, and other articles of precious or semi-precious materials⁶.

6. Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as one of Hong Kong’s top trading partners, reflecting its rise as a global manufacturing powerhouse. In 2024, Hong Kong’s trade with Vietnam reached HK$308,568 million, representing 3.3% of the market’s total trade². 

Key exports included electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, and specialized fabrics vital for Vietnam’s massive garment and textile industry⁷.

7. Japan

Japan and Hong Kong enjoy a dynamic trade relationship, with Japan being Hong Kong’s 7th largest trading partner. According to TID, in 2024, Hong Kong’s exports to Japan amounted to HK$1,487 million². Some key exports include jewelry, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares, precious or semi-precious materials, and metalliferous ores and metal scrap⁸.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia and Hong Kong shared a robust commercial relationship, with total trade reaching HK$210,372 million in 2024². This strong performance solidified Malaysia's position within the top 10 of Hong Kong’s export partners².

Furthermore, the strategic opening of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur in December 2025 underscores the markets’ commitment to deepening these trade ties⁹.

9. India

Hong Kong is a vital entrepot for merchandise trade between India and Mainland China, with re-export trade between the two economies through Hong Kong reaching HK$97.9 billion in 2024¹⁰. 

In the same year, Hong Kong’s domestic exports to India totalled HK$1,488 million, while imports from India were valued at HK$63,995 million². 

Major export commodities were non-ferrous metals, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, and non-metallic mineral manufactures¹⁰.

10. Thailand

Thailand stands as Hong Kong’s fourth largest trading partner within the ASEAN region, with total merchandise trade between the two economies reaching HK$158,403 million in 2024¹¹. 

The landscape for Hong Kong trade with Thailand has become even more favorable following the signing of the AHKFTA First Protocol in September 2025, which streamlines the rules of origin, making it easier for Hong Kong goods to enter the Thai market tariff-free¹².

Future markets to watch for 2026 and beyond

Chinese Mainland and wider Asia

Despite global trade volatility, over 60% of Hong Kong exporters maintain a positive outlook for 2026, anticipating stable or rising profit margins¹³. 

Consequently, the Chinese Mainland (42%) and wider Asian markets (30.3%) remain strategic priorities for expansion among Hong Kong’s exporters¹³. 

For your business, this underscores the importance of deepening regional ties to capture sustained growth and remain competitive within these high-priority trade corridors. 

The ASEAN bloc

The ASEAN bloc is a consistent high performer for Hong Kong’s exports, sustained by a robust confidence reading of 58.913. This strength is fueled by deep regional integration with trading partners and strategic supply chain shifts. 

Ranking as the third highest expansion priority for HK businesses (18.9%), this trend signals a ripe opportunity for you to diversify into Southeast Asia to mitigate global trade risks¹³. 

Western markets

As clarity surrounding US tariffs improves, many exporters are optimistic about business in the North American and European markets for 2026¹³. 

Anticipating a normalization of order flows and inventory levels, Hong Kong traders are preparing for stabilized demand. In turn, this recovery offers a timely opportunity for you to re-engage with Western consumers and secure long-term contracts.

High-growth sectors to watch in the coming years

AI and next-gen electronics as the primary growth driver

AI and new technology-related electronics are slated as the top growth driver for Hong Kong exporters. Remarkably, 53.2% of exporters identify the surge in demand for smart consumer goods as a key factor that will boost their business in 2026¹³. 

This trend necessitates a strategic pivot toward high-tech inventory to capture this lucrative, burgeoning global appetite. 

The continued dominance of e-commerce

Nearly half of all local exporters (47.4%) foresee a significant surge in e-commerce uptake¹³. This digital shift empowers your business to bypass traditional retail hurdles, facilitating direct connections with global consumers. 

As such, prioritizing a robust online presence is essential to capitalize on this streamlined path to international expansion and scalable revenue growth.

The luxury rebound in the jewelry sector

The jewelry industry currently boasts a 51.2 performance index, with expectations rising to 54.8 for 2026¹³. This optimistic outlook suggests that local artisans and brands should aggressively target overseas luxury markets while global appetites for high-end accessories remain on a strong upward trajectory.

Resurgence in industrial equipment and materials

Confidence in the equipment and materials sector has rallied significantly, with a 51.1 expectations index signaling a return to expansionary territory¹³. 

This optimistic outlook can be attributed to a global resurgence in manufacturing demand for high-tech components, particularly those supporting AI infrastructure and smart factories.

How to grow your export business in Hong Kong

While the ten countries mentioned above represent the major trading partners of Hong Kong, thriving in these markets requires more than just identifying them. 

Success is often driven by an understanding of international trade intricacies through meticulous planning and strategic execution. Consider these tips to scale your operations effectively:

• Develop a robust Go-to-Market strategy: Clearly define your target demographics, localized marketing plans, and sales conversion tactics to differentiate your brand.
• Conduct deep market research: Investigate the specific economic conditions, cultural nuances, and financial regulations of your chosen region to ensure a seamless entry.
• Prioritize regulatory knowledge: Building a comprehensive understanding of local import rules and consumer habits will help you anticipate challenges before they arise.

At the same time, your success also hinges on one of the most critical elements of the trade cycle: shipping. Efficient international shipping services are essential to:

• Validate brand reliability: Consistent, on-time express delivery reinforces your reputation as a dependable global partner.
• Protect profit margins: Optimized shipping reduces the risk of expensive delays, returns, and inventory mismanagement.
• Enhance competitive edge: Rapid fulfillment allows you to meet the high-speed demands of modern global consumers more effectively than local competitors.

Partner with DHL Express for global expansion

Navigating the complexities of international trade is significantly easier when you have a global leader like DHL Express by your side. 

As a trusted international logistics provider, DHL Express offers the services and infrastructure to help you meet international demand seamlessly:

• Time-definite express delivery: We prioritize speed and certainty, offering swift delivery by the next possible business day to help you meet urgent deadlines across more than 220 countries and territories.
• End-to-end tracking: You and your customers gain complete peace of mind with 24/7 visibility and real-time updates, ensuring every shipment is accounted for from the moment it leaves Hong Kong until it reaches its final destination.
• Customs expertise: With digital tools like MyGTS, we help you navigate the complexities of international regulations, from managing custom clearance documents to HS code classifications.