H. Kong business activity improves for 1st time in 7m — PMI

Hong Kong’s private sector returned to growth in August, with the headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global Hong Kong SAR Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 50.7 from 49.2 in July, marking its highest reading since early 2025.

The latest data signalled the first improvement in business conditions in seven months, as firms raised output levels for the first time in five months. Although modest, the pace of expansion was the strongest since November 2024, supported by a relative improvement in domestic demand.

Survey respondents reported broadly stable incoming business during the period, while external demand, particularly from Mainland China, remained weak amid US tariffs and subdued global economic conditions.

Employment rose slightly in August, marking the first increase in three months, though job creation remained marginal. Firms also recorded a further decline in backlogged work, reflecting easing business pressures.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser