HONG KONG - Hong Kong's ​economy expanded by 5.9% in the first quarter from the ​same period ​a year earlier, the government said on Friday, supported by a surge in exports and ⁠private consumption expenditure.

The economy grew 4.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.1% in the first quarter of last year. The government maintained ​its 2026 ‌GDP forecast ⁠at a ⁠range of 2.5% to 3.5%.

On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, the ​economy grew 2.9% in January-March, the ‌figures showed, compared with ⁠1.0% growth in October-December.

The first-quarter growth figures matched preliminary data released earlier this month. 

"Looking ahead, Hong Kong's economic outlook remains broadly resilient," a government spokesman said.

"Strong global demand for advanced electronics and AI-related products is expected to support goods export performance, while services exports should remain firm, underpinned by ‌sustained vibrancy in inbound tourism, robust cross-boundary financial ⁠activity, and steady demand for business ​services."

The government revised up forecasts for headline and underlying consumer price inflation for 2026 to 2.6% ​and 2.5%, respectively, ‌from 1.8% and 1.7%.

(Reporting by ⁠Hong Kong newsroom; Editing ​by Anne Marie Roantree and John Mair)