Economic Activities in Hong Kong: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Hong Kong SAR, China, with a population of about 7,524,100 (As of 2024), is among the more densely populated economies in the world. Located in East Asia, it covers 1,110 square kilometers, ranking 164th, right after Comoros.

Hong Kong SAR, China holds a strong economic position with a GDP of approximately $407.11 billion (As of 2024), ranking among the larger economies globally. The economy grew by 2.5% in real terms in 2024. Its GDP per capita stands at approximately $54,107 (As of 2024), among the highest in the world.

Hong Kong SAR, China’s robust economy reflects its status as a key player in the global market, with steady growth and a focus on innovation and technology.

What are the economic activities of Hong Kong?

• Primary activities: 0.1% of GDP.
• Secondary activities: 7.6% of GDP.
• Tertiary activities: 92.3% of GDP.

Primary Sector of Hong Kong

The primary sector in Hong Kong, with 3.81% agricultural land, is mainly focused on high-value crops due to limited space and urbanization. Key products include pork, chicken, spinach, vegetables, game meat, pork offal, fruits, onions, lettuce, and pork fat.

Despite contributing only 0.1% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in preserving traditional practices and ensuring food security. The variety of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s importance in providing fresh, locally sourced produce for the population.

Hong Kong’s geological diversity, with its outstanding deepwater harbor and feldspar deposits, has shaped its primary sector. The harbor facilitates trade, while feldspar mining contributes to the economy through ceramics and glass manufacturing.

Secondary Sector of Hong Kong

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?In Hong Kong, the main industrial products include trading and logistics, professional services, cultural and creative goods, clothing and textiles, shipping services, electronics, toys, clocks, and watches.Manufactures play a critical role in Hong Kong’s total exports, accounting for 88.77% in 2023.

Tertiary sector of Hong Kong

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector encompasses the intangible aspects of the economy, focusing on services that improve productivity and meet needs. In Hong Kong, key tertiary activities include restaurants, healthcare, education, banking, communication, media production, and tourism. These services contribute significantly to the city’s economic growth and development.With about 44.5 million visitor arrivals in 2024, it is a popular destination. The iconic Victoria Peak and Disneyland Hong Kong attract numerous tourists, driving the hospitality sector’s growth and economic prosperity.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, which boasts approximately 22 million subscriptions, equating to 292 per 100 inhabitants. This extensive connectivity fosters technological innovation and supports various industries.

Biggest company in Hong Kong

Which is the biggest company in Hong Kong? It’s AIA Group, a pan-Asian life insurance and financial services group headquartered in Hong Kong. With a market value of approximately $97 billion (As of 2025), it is the largest Hong Kong-domiciled listed company and a key player in the tertiary (financial services) sector. AIA was established in Asia in 1919 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2010.

International Trade of Hong Kong

Import Activities of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s import activities are of high importance, with total imports in 2023 reaching $654.82 billion (As of 2023), equivalent to about 161% of its 2024 GDP — a level that reflects Hong Kong’s role as a major trade and re-export entrepot.Hong Kong’s import activities are crucial for its economy, with major partners like China, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. Key imports include integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, machine parts, gold, and jewelry.

Exports Activities of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s total exports in 2023 reached $575 billion (As of 2023), equivalent to about 141% of its 2024 GDP. Reflecting its status as a global entrepot, trade flows substantially exceed domestic output, underscoring trade’s vital role in the economy.Hong Kong’s export activities are diverse, with key partners like China and India. Major exports include gold, integrated circuits, and broadcasting equipment, driving economic growth and trade relationships worldwide.

Hong Kong economy challenges in 2024

Hong Kong, a high-income tourism and services-based economy, faces challenges in 2024. Despite being a global financial hub, the recent recession due to COVID-19 and political protests has led to high unemployment, especially among lower-skilled workers. The country is focusing on recovery and investing in job-reskilling programs to address this issue.

Sources

• World Bank: Hong Kong SAR, China
• CIA World Factbook: Hong Kong
• IMF: Hong Kong SAR
• Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong
• Trading Economics: Hong Kong GDP

Last updated: June 20, 2026