HONG KONG, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's economy expanded 3.8% from a year earlier in the fourth quarter, official advance estimates showed on Friday, the 12th consecutive quarter of growth thanks to
buoyant regional trade flows, growth in inbound tourism and financial service activities.
Hong Kong's economy grew a revised 3.7% in the third quarter, 3.1% growth in the second and 3.0% in the first quarter of 2025.
For the whole of 2025, real GDP posted growth of 3.5%, compared to 2.5% in 2024. That exceeded the government's forecast of 3.2% growth for the year.
"Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy is expected to maintain good momentum in 2026," a government spokesman said.
"Sustained moderate expansion of the global economy, coupled with persistently strong global demand for artificial intelligence-enabled electronic-related products, will lend support to Hong Kong's export performance."
On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, the economy expanded 1.0% in October-December, the data showed. That compared with 0.7% in July-September, 0.4% in April-June and 1.8% in January-March.
Improving consumer and business sentiment and expected further interest rate cuts in the U.S. will benefit consumption and investment activities, while external uncertainties persist amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the spokesman added.
Private consumption expenditure increased by 2.5% in the fourth quarter, compared with a 2.4% rise in the third quarter, and it was up 1.6% for 2025.
Total exports of goods increased 15.5% in the fourth quarter, compared with the third quarter's 12% rise, and it was up 12% for 2025.
Imports of goods grew 18.4%, compared with an 11.7% rise in the third quarter. It was up 12.6% for 2025.
(Reporting by Hong Kong newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
