Hong Kong Rises to Fifth Largest Trading Economy in the World
Despite last year's tariff trade wars and fragmented global trade, Hong Kong has surged to become the world's fifth-largest commodity trading economy, climbing two spots from 2024. The total value of commodity trade rose by 17.5% year-on-year to $158.5 billion (same below), accounting for 3% of the global total. Government officials stated that Hong Kong’s foreign trade has demonstrated strong resilience amid challenges.
The World Trade Organization (WTO or World Trade Organization) released its latest report, "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics," indicating that global commodity trade volume grew by 4.6% in 2025—far exceeding the forecasted 2.4%. This growth was primarily driven by strong market demand for AI-related goods, which offset the negative impacts of uncertain trade policies and tariffs.
The top four positions in the global commodity trade ranking remained unchanged. China mainland secured the top spot with $635.5 billion in commodity trade, representing 12.02% of the global total; followed by the United States ($569.2 billion, market share of 10.77%), Germany ($330.7 billion), and the Netherlands ($185.9 billion). Hong Kong achieved a trade volume of $158.5 billion, rising two places to rank fifth globally, with a remarkable 17.5% year-on-year increase—significantly higher than the global average. After Hong Kong came the UK, Japan, France ($146.9 billion, market share of 2.78%), Italy, and Mexico.
During this period, Hong Kong’s merchandise exports increased by 17% to $75.4 billion, ranking fifth globally; imports reached $83.2 billion, placing sixth worldwide, both rising three spots year-on-year. In terms of commercial services trade, Hong Kong ranked 22nd globally in 2024, with exports at 23rd and imports at 25th—unchanged from 2024. The total value amounted to $21.1 billion, accounting for 1.2% of the global total, marking a 6.6% annual growth.
Commerce and Economic Development Secretary Joseph Chu further noted that if the European Union were treated as a single trading economy, Hong Kong would rank fourth globally. Regardless, the report shows that despite challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism, Hong Kong has achieved these results thanks to its robust trade resilience, which is encouraging and confirms the effectiveness of the government’s series of measures aimed at promoting trade.
He pointed out that building on the positive momentum from last year, Hong Kong’s external commodity trade continued to perform strongly at the beginning of this year. Calculated across the first two months, overall export values rose by 29.6% year-on-year, while import values surged by 34.1%.
In conclusion, Hong Kong has consistently upheld free trade, offering trading partners predictable and transparent markets. Leveraging its institutional advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework and its highly internationalized business environment, Hong Kong remains the region’s most important and flexible gateway for commercial exchanges. The government will continue to fully promote trade and strengthen support for mainland enterprises using Hong Kong as a platform to expand overseas, fostering new economic growth points.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1861455987245323/
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