Hong Kong’s shipments of jewellery, goldsmiths’ and silversmiths’ wares dipped for the fourth consecutive month in October, following a positive first-half performance.

Data from the city’s Census and Statistics Department showed jewellery exports were down 18.2 per cent year on year in October while January to October figures fell 3.4 per cent.

Hong Kong recorded declines in jewellery exports in September (14.4 per cent); August (14.6 per cent); and July (3.3 per cent). Meanwhile, jewellery shipments in June saw an 18.8 per cent increase while first-half results were up 4.1 per cent.

Overall exports in October were up 3.5 per cent, which the government attributed to increased exports to China, the US and the European Union. “Those to other major Asian markets showed mixed performance,” the government said.

Global economic uncertainties and a possible escalation of trade conflicts would pose challenges to Hong Kong's export performance, it added. China’s initiatives to boost its economy, however, should provide support to Hong Kong’s exports sector.