A visitor to Hong Kong staying in a Muslim-friendly hotel and buying a halal-certified lipstick might not realise it, but they are part of the global halal economy worth an estimated US$7 trillion (HK$54 trillion) and projected to reach US$10 trillion (HK$78 trillion) by 2030.
Serving around 2 billion consumers worldwide, the sector has evolved far beyond its roots in food production into one of the world's fastest-growing commercial ecosystems.
For businesses looking to tap into this growth, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is positioning Hong Kong as a gateway to opportunity. Through trade fairs, conferences, overseas missions and market research, the HKTDC has steadily expanded its efforts to help companies understand and access halal markets across ASEAN, the Middle East and beyond.
A growing global consumer base
The opportunities are substantial, according to Jathiya Atiagan from the Secretariat of the World Halal Council. While F&B account for around 65% of the market, demand is rising across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fashion as well as tourism, healthcare, logistics and supply chain services.
ASEAN has emerged as a particularly attractive growth market, noted Ms Atiagan. Home to more than 240 million Muslim consumers, the region accounts for an estimated quarter of the global halal economy and generates annual spending exceeding US$600 billion (HK$4.7 trillion).
For Hong Kong companies, the potential extends beyond serving Muslim consumers. Halal certification is increasingly recognised as a marker of quality and safety, while the city's strengths in sourcing, professional services and transhipment enable traders to reach fast-growing consumer markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Connecting to new markets
Recognising this growth, the HKTDC has significantly expanded its support for halal businesses in recent years.
One of the most visible platforms has been Food Expo and Food Expo PRO. In 2024, the HKTDC launched halal exhibitor labelling, helping buyers identify products from over 100 exhibitors, while seminars explored business opportunities and market trends.
Participation grew to more than 120 halal exhibitors in 2025, alongside seminars, networking activities and the launch of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Halal Scheme. Exhibitors reported strong interest and brisk sales from buyers across the Middle East and South Asia. At the concurrent Tea Fair, Mainland tea producer Yangloudong secured US$1 million in orders from buyers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for its halal and organic-certified instant tea.
Momentum continued in 2026 with more than 130 halal F&B suppliers joining the labelling initiative. A seminar featuring experts from Southeast Asia discussed supply chains, import regulations and Muslim-friendly hospitality. Local brand Tai Po Chun Hing anticipated orders exceeding HK$1 million from the Philippines, Thailand and the Middle East for its halal-certified beef tendon balls.
Beyond food, the HKTDC has also highlighted the wider halal value chain. At the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference in 2024, industry experts examined halal-compliant logistics, while a session at MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse in 2025 explored branding and marketing strategies for halal consumer markets.
Building knowledge, expanding reach
The Council's efforts have extended overseas. In 2025, it organised a food business mission to Jakarta, where delegates received briefings on Indonesia's halal certification framework and met distributors and retailers. Another mission is planned for November, focusing on the gifts, beauty and toys sectors.
Supporting these activities is a growing body of market intelligence. Since 2025, HKTDC Research has published commentaries ranging from food export trends and certification strategies to Muslim-friendly tourism. Other studies have examined how traders can access markets, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, drawing lessons from successful exporters, including Brazil and Australia, and the Chinese Mainland.
With the global halal economy continuing to expand, the HKTDC will continue to facilitate opportunities for businesses to build connections and explore new markets through Hong Kong in the years ahead.