The European Union and Hong Kong are important trading partners

In 2009, the EU was Hong Kong's second largest trading partner after the mainland of China, third largest market and third largest supplier.  Reciprocally, Hong Kong was the EU's 17th largest trading partner.

Bilateral trade registered an annual average growth rate of 6% per annum between 2004 and 2009.

In 2009 the EU's main exports to Hong Kong included telecommunication equipment; non-electric engines and motors; pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, worked or unworked; passenger cars; and clothing. 

Hong Kong's main exports to the EU were telecommunication equipment; jewellery; clothing; and printed matter.

Hong Kong's re-exports to the EU included clothing; telecommunications equipment; and toys and games.

Hong Kong is an important entrepot for trade between the Mainland of China and the EU.  In 2009, 11% of the total trade between the EU and the mainland of China was routed through Hong Kong. 

EU presence in Hong Kong

About 30,730 EU citizens reside in Hong Kong.

Around 6,400 overseas and Mainland companies have a presence in Hong Kong, of which 1,650 companies of EU origin. 

The EU is well represented in various sectors of the Hong Kong economy.  Major companies with EU interests include such names as Bayer MaterialScience, Ericsson, Henkel, IKEA, LVMH, Maersk, Marks & Spencer, Nokia, Philips Electronics, Schneider Electric, Shell and Siemens.

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