EXTERNAL TRADE

Hong Kong exports were sluggish in the first four months of 2015. Sales performances, however, differed quite significantly among major product categories. Electronics continued to provide the major stimulus to growth. Toys and jewellery also showed modest increases, but clothing and timepieces fell by varying extents. Looking ahead, the sales outlook for these products should improve as the world trade environment is expected to brighten somewhat. More

The HKTDC Export Index edged up for the second consecutive quarter to 46.8 in the second quarter of 2015 (2Q15), rising from 44.9 in 1Q15. Overall, exporters were less pessimistic about their likely export performance over the short-term. More

Amid the surge in online sales in the globe, the significance of online channels should not be overlooked by Hong Kong companies wishing to tap the mainland market, although a large share of consumers currently still shop at physical stores. Hong Kong companies are therefore advised to strike an appropriate balance between online and offline channels. More

With a proliferation of LED applications, it is expected that the global market for lighting products will remain steady in 2015. The development of smart appliances by leading technology players, especially those related to the household systems, is likely to benefit the lighting industry in the medium term. China and several of the mature markets are seen as the markets with the highest growth potential over the next two years. More