The value of Hong Kong's total exports increased to $381.3 billion in August, up 6.4% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of the city's imports rose 7.9% to $414.4 billion in the same period.

A trade deficit of $33.1 billion, or 8% of the value of imports, was recorded for the month.

Comparing the three-month period to August with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of Hong Kong's exports rose 0.3%, while that of its imports increased 3.8%.

The Government said the value of merchandise exports grew solidly in August over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland, the US and the European Union registered increases of varying degrees, while exports to other major Asian markets were of mixed performance.

Looking ahead, the Government said that performance of Hong Kong's exports should remain positive if external demand continues to hold up, but noted that geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts will present risks.