Hong Kong retail sales rise 8.6% in April on back of higher visitor arrivals

Hong Kong’s retail sales rose by 8.6 per cent year on year in April, extending the sector’s recovery for a 12th consecutive month, supported by continued growth in visitor arrivals and holiday spending.Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed retail sales reached HK$31.4 billion (US$4 billion) in April, compared with HK$28.9 billion a year earlier.retail sales for the first four months of 2026 rose 11.3 per cent from the same period last year.A government spokesman said growth was recorded across most major retail categories.“Looking ahead, the retail sector should continue to benefit from ongoing economic expansion, a notable increase in inbound visitors and resilient consumption sentiment,” he said, while noting authorities would remain alert to risks stemming from evolving geopolitical tensions.Among the stronger performing segments, sales of motor vehicles and parts surged 46.1 per cent, while electrical goods and other consumer durables rose 21.9 per cent.