For decades, Hong Kong has thrived as a gateway connecting businesses, suppliers and markets across the world. Today, that role remains unchanged, but the way companies conduct cross-border trade is undergoing a profound transformation.
A new report by global financial platform Airwallex, conducted in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's (HKTDC) hktdc.com Sourcing platform, suggests that Hong Kong’s trading sector is entering a new phase of evolution. The findings show that artificial intelligence (AI), fintech and data-driven decision-making are no longer simply tools that support trade. Increasingly, they are becoming integral to how companies source products, manage operations and respond to changing market conditions.
Based on a survey of 462 cross-border businesses conducted between March and April 2026, The Future of Hong Kong Trade: From Adopting to Advancing reveals a trading sector that is becoming more agile, more responsive and increasingly technology-driven.
Technology takes centre stage
The most striking finding is the rapid rise in AI adoption.
According to the report, AI adoption among Hong Kong's cross-border trading businesses surged from 25% to 79% in just 12 months, highlighting how quickly the technology has moved from experimentation into everyday operations.
More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents plan to increase their use of AI over the next year, while only 1% expect to reduce usage. Businesses are deploying AI across a wide range of functions, including finance, operations and sourcing, as they seek to boost efficiency, improve decision-making and remain competitive.
The findings suggest that companies are no longer simply digitising existing processes. Instead, they are rethinking how their businesses operate in a rapidly changing global environment.
More broadly, 68% of respondents are investing in technology-enabled, data-driven solutions to strengthen operational performance and enhance competitiveness.
Trading becomes faster and more flexible
The report also points to significant changes in sourcing behaviour.
Flexibility has emerged as a key priority for trading companies seeking to navigate ongoing economic volatility. The proportion of businesses adopting an "only-as-needed" sourcing strategy nearly doubled from 15% to 29% over the past year, reflecting a shift towards more responsive purchasing decisions and inventory management.
At the same time, digital channels are playing an increasingly important role in connecting buyers and suppliers. Nearly 80% of surveyed companies expect to increase their use of online sourcing channels over the next 12 months.
Fintech adoption accelerates
The report also highlights strong momentum in the adoption of digital financial services.
Fintech adoption for cross-border transactions has roughly tripled over the past 12 months, with around 60% of surveyed companies now using digital financial services. Businesses cite lower costs (59%), faster payments (48%) and improved visibility (36%) over global financial operations as the primary benefits.
At the same time, trust remains a critical consideration. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents identified fraud and security as their biggest concern when using fintech solutions, while 42% cited regulatory compliance.
As adoption increases, businesses are placing greater emphasis on partners that can provide secure, transparent and compliant financial infrastructure.
Traditional sectors pick up the pace
One of the report’s more intriguing findings comes from the jewellery sector, which has traditionally relied on relationship-driven business models and fragmented supply chains.
Among the sectors surveyed, jewellery trading companies demonstrated the strongest future interest in fintech adoption, with 37% actively evaluating digital financial solutions.
The trend highlights how technology adoption is becoming increasingly widespread across Hong Kong's trading ecosystem, regardless of industry.
As HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smiley Lam noted: "Businesses are moving beyond basic digitisation to redesign their sourcing strategies, operating models and engagement with global markets."
As Hong Kong’s trading sector evolves, the focus is shifting from adopting new tools to building more agile, digitally enabled operating models. Businesses that can integrate technology effectively, while maintaining visibility, control and resilience across their global operations, will be best equipped to navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities in cross-border trade.