Hong Kong maintains 2026 GDP growth forecast at 2.5% to 3.5%
Government also raises headline inflation forecast for year to 2.6 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent projected in February’s budget
Hong Kong authorities have maintained their full-year economic growth forecast at between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent after the city’s economy expanded by a stronger-than-expected 5.9 per cent in the first quarter, while warning that rising oil prices linked to the war in the Middle East could push inflation higher in the coming months.
The latest figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Friday showed the economy grew by 5.9 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2026, accelerating from the 4 per cent growth recorded in the previous quarter.
These figures were the same as those released by the government last week.
The government also raised its headline inflation forecast for 2026 to 2.6 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent projected in February’s budget, citing higher international energy prices.
“Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic outlook remains broadly resilient,” said Government Economist Irina Fan Yuen-yee.
“Strong global demand for advanced electronics and AI‑related products is expected to support goods export performance, while services exports should remain firm, underpinned by sustained vibrancy in inbound tourism, robust cross-boundary financial activity, and steady demand for business services.”