Hong Kong's jewellery shipments rose 4.1 per cent year on year during the first half of 2024, reflecting steady demand from overseas markets, latest government data showed. 

The city's exports of jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares reached HK$120.05 billion (around US$15.36 billion) from January to June while in June alone, exports were up 18.8 per cent to HK$19.83 billion (about US$2.53 billion).

Jewellery imports were also on the rise. Data from Hong Kong's Census and Statistics Department showed imports jumped 3.8 per cent in the first six months of 2024 to HK$160.88 billion (approximately US$21 billion). June imports saw a 2.1 per cent increase to HK$26.32 billion (around US$3.36 billion).

Total exports of goods in the first half showed a 12.2 per cent uptick while June figures rose 10.7 per cent.

The Hong Kong government attributed double-digit growth in exports to steady demand from China, the US and the European Union. Major export markets in Asia, meanwhile, recorded varying degrees of increases.

"Hong Kong's export performance should stay positive if external demand holds up, but the escalating geopolitical and trade tensions will continue to bring uncertainties," noted the government.